Well, good people, here we are – Purim Fest, 5769. The IsraelNN blog section is loaded with deep and meaningful articles – if you read them, you are guaranteed to have a holier Purim experience and a more passionate bond to the Land of Israel. So let me stray away from trying to compete with the righteous people who are featured here this week and talk about a lesser-discussed Purim theme: Being Pretty.

There are two interpretations of Queen Esther's appearance. The Megillah itself says that Esther was gorgeous, seemingly a no-brainer for Achashverosh's choice of Queen. However, some commentators say that Esther was distinctly unpretty, with a rather sickly green hue. Either way, she was chosen as Queen from among hundreds of candidates.

There are two lessons we can learn from this information, corresponding to the two interpretations. The first is that being Jewish is being pretty. There are some people who become upset when told that they "look Jewish" – you sad unfortunates have been duped by a vicious worldwide conspiracy. Jewish men and women are the best looking people on the planet.

The second lesson is that being pretty is being Jewish. There is something so attractive about a person who lets herself be complete and confident. It's mesmerizing, and we all want a part of people like that. All the more so when that fullness and aliveness come from absolute Truth with a capital "T" – Torah values instilled in the house of Mordechai the Jew. In even a very strangely pigmented body, a fervent and refined Jewish soul leaves an irreversible imprint on everyone it touches. King Achashverosh was putty in Esther's grassy green hands - she saved the entire Jewish race from destruction, facilitated their massive return to religion and ultimately enabled them to return to the Land of Israel.

So this Purim, don't forget that you're a beautiful Jew. Dress up in a nice costume, smile and chat with the other beautiful Jews, look pretty. But let most of that dazzle radiate from within – only G-d knows what will come from it.

In honor of the incredibly symbolic wine we will be drinking this Purim, take it to the next level:

Esther's Royal Beauty Treatment

Crush a grape or two on your face, and lie down for 15 minutes (on your back). Follow up with your moisturizer. With daily treatment, in two weeks you will likely see smoother skin and the disappearance of fine lines – you might as well be wearing a crown.

Malkah