Bravery and Courage

February 26, 2025 in From the Clergy, Rabbi Greg Harris, Scroll

By Rabbi Greg Harris. 

I often use the words “bravery” and “courage” interchangeably. Recently, I have been thinking about the differences between these attributes. I read someplace that bravery is more spontaneous and involves setting fear aside. Courage is about having fear, being mindful of the risks, and making the conscious decision to do something anyway.

As Purim is approaching (evening of March 13), I am pondering how these traits were exhibited in the Book of Esther. Was Vashti brave or courageous when she refused to attend the king’s banquet? (Est. 1:10-19) Was Mordechai brave or courageous when he refused to bow to Haman? (Est. 3:2-6) And what about when Esther decided to enter the king’s court to reveal Haman’s plot (Est. 4:11-16) – brave or courageous?

Were these spontaneous acts (bravery) or planned actions where fear and trepidation was overcome (courage)?

Reverend Mariann Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, wrote in her latest book, How We Learn To Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, about the moments when we commit to taking action despite our fears. She compares it to the biblical moment when Avram and Sarai decide to leave on their journey in Genesis, committing to action even as it brought them to countless unknowns. Budde writes:

“When we go in fear, we are given the courage to do what we think we cannot do. When we go in excitement, it’s as if we had been preparing our whole lives for this moment.” (pg. 19)

I do not know where any of these characters drew their strength. Did Esther know of Abraham’s courage to argue with God? (Gen. 18) Had Vashti heard of Naomi’s independence and determination despite life’s circumstances? (Rut. 1) Did Mordechai feel inspiration from Deborah’s ability to navigate the dangerous personalities and politics of Barak and Sisera in her time? (Jud. 4,5)

It is whimsical to think that the people of the Tanach may have known of each other… whether or not that is historically accurate. In these difficult and complicated times, Judaism’s stories are inspiration for my own bravery and courage. I recently saw a drawing of someone wearing a shirt emblazoned with “WWED” – “What Would Esther Do?”

I like that question. Who are the Jewish figures from our tradition whom you can emulate for their experience of standing with pride, navigating difficulties, and raising others up? Purim may be a start to that quest.