Post date: Mar 18, 2016 2:21:35 AM
“Vayehi omein es Haddasa”
And he raised Haddasa
(2:7)
The Gemara tells us that Haddasa was none other than Esther. The basic understanding of the word “Omein” is that Mordechai raised Esther; he was the caregiver for her.
Bereishis Rabbah (30:8) and Yalkut Shimoni have a very different understanding. They tell us that one time Mordechai was unable to find a wet-nurse for Esther. A miracle occurred, and Mordechai himself was able to nurse her.
Yet another interpretation of “Omein,” presented by the Likutei Maharan, stems from that word’s relationship/similarity to the word “Emunah” (faith). Under this understanding, the Pasuk is telling us that Mordechai filled Esther with faith in Hashem.
[Zvi Fleisher @ shemayisrael.com]