Most of us experience “moments of truth” in the course of our lifetime, when something deep inside us is challenged, and we respond in ways we would never think possible. We find ourselves capable of courage and ingenuity greatly exceeding our “normal” facility.

Impressive as these feats are, they are almost always as transient as they are magnificent. Their very nature dictates that they be moments of truth — flashes, something beyond our actual selves.

This is a most amazing aspect of Purim. As related in the Book of Esther, even after Haman had fallen out of favor and was killed, the decree he initiated remained in effect: Esther could only arrange that the king issue a second decree which allowed the Jews to stop those who would kill them. The first decree, calling all Persians to annihilate the Jewish minority on the 13th of Adar, remained in force until the Jews were victorious and overpowered their enemies.

In other words, for nearly a full year (Haman’s decree was issued on the 12th of Nissan), a decree of doom hung over every Jew, as their enemies had royal sanction to take their lives. Yet throughout this period, not a single Jew “broke ranks” to save himself by renouncing his Judaism. Such sustained commitment is truly amazing and unparalleled.

That first Purim, every Jewish man, woman and child was truly a hero. Their's was not a mere “moment of truth” heroism, but the arousal of a deep bond that no external threat or internal erosion could loosen, a font of commitment that we draw from ever since.