When I was in middle school, I attended public school for two years. As the only Orthodox Jew in my school, I stood out. While there were other Jewish students, none kept kosher, dressed modestly, or celebrated all the Biblical holidays as I did. These years were formative for my identity. I wore who I was – and still am – proudly despite the challenges. Some teachers demonstrated passive-aggressive (or maybe it was just aggressive) antisemitism, kids teased me, and missing social events on Friday nights due to Sabbath observance was often lonely. Yet, stripping myself of my identity was never a question. My faith was grounding, wholesome, and crucial in shaping who I am today. Biblically, there are stories of hiding one’s identity with intention -and for good cause- for Queen Esther, it was very much part of a divine plan. And my “revealed” identity in middle school, I believe, was part of God’s plan for me.
But how do we reconcile this with the increasing trend of hiding Jewish identity in today’s world? Is this too part of the plan? Or can we do better?
The biblical account of Queen Esther provides a powerful example of strategic identity concealment. As recorded in Esther:
This act of concealment was not a rejection of her heritage but a calculated decision that ultimately led to the salvation of her people. It’s crucial to understand that sometimes, hiding one’s identity can serve a greater purpose and should not be confused with abandoning one’s roots.
Esther’s moment of revelation came at a critical moment when her people faced an existential threat. There were imminent plans Risking her life by approaching the king uninvited, she disclosed her Jewish identity. This act of courage resulted in the rescue of the Jewish people from genocide, an event still commemorated during the festival of Purim. Esther’s bravery demonstrates how the act of ultimately revealing one’s true self, and at the right time had far-reaching and a transformative positive outcome.
Fast forward to the present day, and we find a different scenario unfolding with Marvel’s Sabra, also known as Ruth Bat-Seraph. Created in 1980 as a representation of Jewish and Israeli identity, Sabra has recently faced pressure to alter her character, effectively concealing aspects of her original identity. In anticipation of the upcoming Marvel movie, Sabra will no longer be an undercover Israeli agent. She will be a Russian operative. And unlike Esther’s premeditated and divinely orchestrated concealment, Sabra’s potential identity shift is a response to contemporary antisemitism. She was her true self, and now she has to change.
I think there’s potential for Sabra’s story to evolve in a way that echoes Esther’s journey. And perhaps there will be a surprise in store when the new Captain America movie comes out early next year. In an ideal scenario, Sabra could follow a path similar to Esther’s ā moving from concealment to a powerful revelation of her identity. Imagine a storyline where Sabra, as a Mossad agent, uses her unique skills and identity to defeat adversaries, much like Esther used her position to save her people. Perhaps we think she’s a Soviet spy, but really she’s the new heroine of the Jewish people. Aspirational, I know. But this potential evolution could serve as a modern-day parallel to Esther’s story, demonstrating that revealing one’s Jewish identity can be an act of strength and heroism, capable of effecting significant change.
But the contrast between these stories also highlights a key difference in their respective eras. Esther lived in a time when she had no advocates and stood alone, guided only by her faith and courage. Sabra, on the other hand, exists in a world where allies can stand up and speak out against antisemitism. This is where the role of Christian allies becomes crucial in our modern context. Unlike in Esther’s time, the Jewish community today benefits from interfaith support. The voice, solidarity, and willingness of Christian allies to confront antisemitism head-on serve as a powerful super-hero force in today’s world.
The journey of Queen Esther to Sabra reflects the enduring complexity of Jewish existence. At the foundation, we see in both stories, the ongoing necessity for courage in the face of adversity and the potential power of revealing one’s true identity. It’s just a matter of if those forced to confront who they really are, will take a stand, revealing their super-powers, nonetheless.
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