Coming Out As Who You Are By Judy Lutz
Throw off your mask
Throw off your facade
I am with you to help you have the courage to be who you are
May you be like Esther and not be afraid to reveal who you are
May you be like Vashti and not be afraid to speak out
May you defeat all of your Hamans
May you be blessed in your coming out and in being who you are meant to be.
What's in a Name?
ויהי אומן את הדסה קרי לה הדסה וקרי לה אסתר תניא ר"מ אומר אסתר שמה ולמה נקרא שמה הדסה על שם הצדיקים שנקראו הדסים וכן הוא אומר (זכריה א, ח) והוא עומד בין ההדסים
The verse states: “And he had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther” (Esther 2:7). She is referred to as “Hadassah” and she is referred to as “Esther.” What was her real name? It is taught in a baraita that the Sages differed in their opinion as to which was in fact her name and which one was a description: Rabbi Meir says: Esther was her real name. Why then was she called Hadassah? On account of the righteous, who are called myrtles [hadassim], and so it states: “And he stood among the myrtles [hahadassim]” (Zechariah 1:8).
Leader or Obey-er
Esther's Characteristics