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The Psalm of Esther I.I



“For the leader; upon Ayelet ha-Shachar (Psalm 22:1).” The word Ayelet (hind) is to be understood in the same sense as, Ayalot in, “The Lord, God, is my strength, and He made my feet like hinds’ – Ayalot – feet, letting me walk upon bamotai (Habbakuk 3:19).” Rabbi Pinchas said: The verse does not say, “like stags’ feet,” but, “like hinds’ feet,” because the feet of the female deer are surer than the feet of the male. [Midrash Tehillim 22:1]

 

The Midrash is explaining that Esther’s confidence, her “sure feet,” allowed her to accomplish all she did. Esther acted with confidence despite the darkness of her times.

We should recite this psalm on the Fast of Esther, celebrating and honoring those who step into the future and face any challenge with the sure-footing of Esther’s confidence.

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