The Purim story is one of heroes and villians. We all recognize the names of Mordecai and Esther, Haman and Ahasuerus. But I would like to propose a new hero of the story, one who bears a lesson for our times.
His name was Hatach. If you do not remember him, that is understandable. In chapter 4, Hatach – the eunuch assigned to Esther in the King’s harem – carries secret messages back and forth between Esther and Mordecai.
It is Hatach who, at Esther’s bidding, informs Mordecai of Haman’s scheme. And it is Hatach who reports to Esther perhaps the most famous words in the book, which were delivered to Esther not from Mordecai directly, but through Hatach:
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (4:14).
Hatach could easily have betrayed Mordecai or Esther or distorted or misreported the message. In fact, the Midrash relates that Haman killed Hatach he was on Esther and Mordecai’s side. Although that incident is not in the Megillah itself, the possibility that Haman would have designs on Hatach’s life reveals our Sages’ deep understanding of the importance of this seemingly marginal figure.
To choose the side of light; to report people’s words accurately and fully, to be honest — in other words, to be an ally — all of this is found in the seemingly slight character of Hatach. Some traditions identify Hatach with Daniel, perhaps because the Rabbis could not believe, given their own experience, that a non-Jew would take such risks on behalf of the Jewish people. We are fortunate enough to know otherwise. To all the Hatachs in our world, thank you for helping us overcome the Hamans. May we continue to stand together demonstrating the qualities of our too little known ancestor – fidelity, honesty, and courage. Hag Purim Sameach!
