Purim is known as Judaism’s most joyful holiday — costumes, hamantaschen, and celebration. But beneath the revelry lies a sobering truth: it is the story of an ancient antisemitic decree and the courage required to confront it.

In this powerful episode of Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Emmy Award-winning journalist Jon Frankel explore the enduring relevance of the Purim story in a post–October 7 world. From Esther’s hidden identity to Mordechai’s defiant faith, they examine what it means to live as Jews in the Diaspora at a moment when antisemitism feels both resurgent and relentless.

They wrestle with urgent questions: Are alliances protective or transactional? Is this a time to circle the wagons or build bridges? How should Jews balance compassion for others with vigilance for themselves?

Joining the conversation is Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), who offers a clear-eyed analysis of today’s antisemitism — from political polarization and social media radicalization to foreign influence campaigns and campus unrest. He outlines what the ADL is doing to protect Jewish communities, defend civil rights, and confront hate in real time.

This episode asks a timeless question with renewed urgency: Who knows whether we are here for such a time as this?

 

Anti-Defamation League
https://www.adl.org

Jonathan Greenblatt

https://x.com/JGreenblattADL

https://www.adl.org/who-we-are/leadership/staff/jonathan-greenblatt

Never is Now:

https://neverisnow.org/

 

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:

https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove

https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove

Park Avenue Synagogue
https://www.pasyn.org

https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/#

 

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