While Esther emerges as the savior of Purim, Achashverosh is portrayed as completely wicked, as the Gemara tells us, “hu b’risho metchilato v’ad sofo,” he was wicked from beginning to end (Megillah 11a). However, neither seem to be acting on their own accord, so why do we hold them responsible for their actions? Esther consistently follows Mordechai’s commands not to reveal her nationality (Esther 2:10, 2:20), and to enter the king’s chamber to petition for her people (Esther 4:14). Achashverosh similarly does what Haman tells him. Haman instructs Achashverosh to get rid of Vashti (Esther 1:19), to destroy the Jewish people (Esther 3:9), and to ride Mordechai on the king’s horse (Esther 6:8). What, then, distinguishes Achashverosh from Esther? Why do we view Achashverosh in a negative light?

The difference becomes clear when we contrast their responses to key moments in leadership. Achashverosh hands over his signet ring twice in the Megillah, which is symbolic of his relinquishment of decision-making to others. At one of the most defining moments in his kingship, when he has the choice to save or destroy the Jewish people, he simply defers to others. Haman requests to destroy the Jewish people, and Achashverosh hands over his signet ring (Esther 3:10). Esther asks to save the Jewish people and Achashverosh hands over his signet ring, yet again (Esther 8:8). Achashverosh has no loyalties, and he consistently heeds what he is told by others.

Esther, on the other hand, rises above her passivity to save her nation. The most pivotal moment in the Megillah is when the Jews are faced with a decree of annihilation, and Mordechai tells Esther that she must enter the king’s chamber and petition to save the Jews. Mordechai tells her, “For, if you remain silent at this time, relief and salvation will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Who knows if for a time such as this you attained royalty?” (Esther 4:14). When faced with the decision to risk her life to save her people, Esther rises to the occasion.

Why does Esther emerge as our savior, while Achashverosh remains in our eyes as wicked? Rav Aharon Lichtenstein explains that when our care runs deep enough, it propels us to act. Esther is able to overcome her passive nature because of her deep concern for her people (By His Light, pg.154-158). Achashverosh, on the other hand, remains totally indifferent. As the Gemara tells us, he was a rasha “metchilato v’ad sofo” (Megillah 11a). From the beginning to the end of his kingship, Achashverosh never has a moment like Esther’s. Without a deep sense of care for his kingdom, nothing pushes him to take responsibility. 

At those pivotal moments in our own lives, we must ask ourselves: when will we remain indifferent, and when will our care run so deeply that it brings us to action?

The point that distinguishes Esther from Achashverosh is the response to leadership: when faced with great power, who will assume the great responsibility that comes with it? When we are faced with pivotal moments in life, will we remain silent like Achashverosh, or rise to the occasion like Esther?