Purim: when we were all heroes
One of the minor (he doesn't even get the extra mention in the song we sing afterwards) 
characters in Megillas Esther is named Hatach. Who was he? In Megillah 15a Chazal identify him as Daniel, the same one who has a whole book of TaNach named for him. The change in name is said to refer to his having been cut down [chatchuhu] from his greatness.
characters in Megillas Esther is named Hatach. Who was he? In Megillah 15a Chazal identify him as Daniel, the same one who has a whole book of TaNach named for him. The change in name is said to refer to his having been cut down [chatchuhu] from his greatness. The Meshech Chochma on Megillas Esther offers a novel reason for his loss in status. He says that his greatness among the Jews was due to his willingness to sacrifice his life for a mitzvah. He incurred the penalty of being thrown into the lion's den for having prayed three times a day. He survived through a miracle.
At the time of the Purim story, all the Jews were involved in the 3 day fast Esther called for. At that time, they all devoted themselves to tearful prayer, the study of Torah, and a willingness to give up their lives for the sanctification of the Holy Name and religious observance. Consequently, they realized that all Jews have within themselves the power to lay down their lives. Daniel's feat of heroism appeared less impressive to them because he was no longer unique in that regard.
A freilachen Purim!
For more Purim posts, see
Kreplach recipe at http://kallahmagazine.blogspot.com/2012/03/kreplach-recipe.html
Other recipes here: see http://kallahmagazine.weebly.com/whats-cooking.html
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