The answer is: Put on sackcloth and ashes

Esther 4:1

When Mordecai learned about Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews, his response was filled with deep sorrow. Donning sackcloth and ashes was a traditional sign of mourning and was an ancient practice throughout the Near East. Interestingly, this wasn't just a personal moment of grief—it echoed a broader communal attitude toward the calamity threatening the Jewish people. Sackcloth, often made from coarse cloth, and ashes, symbolic of humility and repentance, vividly represented Mordecai's profound distress for his people.

Mordecai's actions highlight the connections among communal identities. In many cultures, individuals' pain is often mirrored by their surroundings, especially when the thread of life weaves all members of a society together. He kindled a response that would eventually mobilize Queen Esther—the key player in preserving their people. It invites reflection on timeless themes of advocacy and standing up against injustice.

Moreover, herbs like bitter wormwood used in Esther’s story can serve as metaphors for both crises and hope. Just as wormwood signifies distress, it also leads to new awakenings in viewers. Here is a touching example: when challenges arise, they can catalyze courage among all people, propelling a united stand against tyranny. This narrative shows how commitment to justice transcends individual borders, telling a story that resonates through centuries even until today!