Purim is about concealment and that which is concealed. The Megillah, which we read twice on Purim, is named after Queen Esther. Esther manifested a character trait that embodies hiddenness, that most misunderstood of traits–modesty. Esther’s modesty was notably expressed by her special ability to know when to keep silent and when not to.
Kept for all intents and purposes as a prisoner in King Achashveirosh’s harem, Esther remained silent while she waited for the most opportune time to reveal Haman’s treachery and save the Jewish people. She concealed the fact that she was Jewish, too. Her quiet confidence and humility enabled her to hang in there for nearly nine years as the Purim story unfolded.
In order to do this, Esther had to have confidence in herself; she had to believe in herself and in
