Clinching Haman’s Fate
Charvona—one of Achashverosh’s advisors—abruptly enters the scene at the end of the tension-filled seventh chapter of Megillat Esther. He shows the gigantic pole upon which Haman wished to hang Mordechai. He notes that Haman plans to kill the person who saved the king’s life, signaling to Achashverosh that he should kill Haman. Charvona clinches Haman’s fate after Achashverosh’s infuriation at finding Haman on Esther’s bed.
Hashem’s Intervening Hand
TABC Talmid Aaron Pavel detects Hashem’s hand in this incident. He notes: What right did Charvona have to intrude on this party? Despite Charvona’s unwelcome presence at the party for three, Achashverosh did not summarily dismiss Charvona in a fury of anger. Instead, he heard Charvona’s point, followed his lead and executed Haman.
Thus concluded a series of lightning-fast steps in which Haman—in less than 48 hours—went from the top royal advisor, invited twice to party with the royal couple to hang on the gallows.
Hashem Saving Esther
I add that Charvona might have saved Esther’s life. As Rabbi Yehoshua ben Korcha (Megillah 15b) notes, Esther severely endangered herself by inviting Haman to the parties. Esther feigns interest in Haman and being part of a conspiracy to overthrow the king. Achashverosh finding Haman on Esther’s bed cast suspicion on Haman and Esther. Charvona’s dramatic announcement deflected Achashverosh’s seething anger from Esther and Haman to Haman alone.
In this way, Hashem orchestrated His saving of Esther. Perhaps this is Chazal’s intention when saying (Esther Rabbah 10:9) that Eliyahu HaNavi appeared in Charvonah’s body. Hashem “hijacked” Charvona—so to speak—to save Am Yisrael and Esther.
Vegam Charvona Zachur Latov
Interestingly, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 690:16, following Esther Rabbah 10:9) instructs us to say, “Vegam Charvona zachur latov—and we must also remember Charvona for good.” Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews follow this ruling.
Megillah 16a clarifies that Charvona was an inveterate antisemite who collaborated with Haman’s genocidal plan. However, being an opportunist, he switched sides when the tides changed in favor of the Jews. He advocates for Haman’s death because he sought to enhance his standing in the political alignment of Achashverosh’s new coterie of top advisors. However, he did not fundamentally retreat from Jew-hatred. Why, then, do we remember Charvona for the good?
Three Explanations
One answer derives from Chazal’s teaching (Shabbat 32a), “Megalgelim zechut al yedei zakai vechovah al yedei chayav—Hashem chooses good people to bring about good things, and bad people to bring bad things.” Accordingly, Charvona seems to have done something good, for why else did Hashem select him to save the Jews and Esther? Therefore, we remember him for the good that merited him being the agent for good.
Another answer is that, “Vegam Charvona zachur latov,” is meant as tongue-in-cheek. We intend “zachur latov,” with quotation marks. This sarcastic remark reminds us that not everyone that helps us is a friend. Therefore, we must remain on guard and concerned about friends of convenience, like Charvona.
As we have noted elsewhere, Purim highlights our vulnerability. Even after eliminating Haman, his 10 sons and die-hard supporters, Jew-haters—like Charvona—remain in power.
Finally, Charvona delivers the sobering message that those who help us, sometimes, have less than savory and wholesome intentions. Unfortunately, the sad reality of Jewish life in exile is that we do not get to choose our friends. We have to accept whatever we get. Therefore, resign ourselves to the realpolitik of “Vegam Charvona zachur latov.”
Conclusion
Even today, many of Israel’s friends match Charvona’s less-than-excellent example. It is said that in politics, one has no permanent friends or enemies—only permanent interests. Charvona would wholeheartedly agree. Purim reminds us of this sobering reality that prevails—all too frequently—until Mashiach’s arrival.
Rabbi Jachter serves as the rav of Congregation Shaarei Orah, rebbe at Torah Academy of Bergen County and a get administrator with the Beth Din of Elizabeth. Rabbi Jachter’s 19 books may be purchased at Amazon and Judaica House.
