Our Gemara on Amud Aleph speaks of Mordechai, who was praised for knowing all 70 languages. In Jewish mystical thought, the 70 languages and 70 nations are not merely the geographic and sociopolitical reality. There is an idea that these 70 languages and peoples represent modes of thought or channels of spiritual dimensions. The Great Sanhedrin was also comprised of 70 sages, I presume in order to have the fullest perspectives on the most complex and serious halachic matters facing the people.

Kedushas Levi (Purim, Kedusha Sheniya) expands on this. Each “language” represents an aspect of service to God, and each nation’s guardian angel sings to God through that particular channel. If a sage is able to ascertain and utilize this channel, the guardian angel of that nation will automatically feel a kinship with this person, as if he were a fellow citizen. He also references a mystical idea that the writing and letters of each language hint at their character. This is a kind of graphology, which may have inspired modern-day graphology.

This gives us insight into the nature of the Purim miracle. It is not a coincidence that Achashveirosh ruled over the whole globe, in effect the 70 nations, nor is it a coincidence that Mordechai was praised for knowing the 70 languages. This really meant that Mordechai knew the levers to pull and push that activated the guardian angels of the various nations under Achashveirosh’s rule to take his side. This is how the miracle of Purim was uniquely performed through behind-the-scenes statesmanship, and Achashveirosh did all the work.

As I have commented before, the psychological and mystical often are using different terms to address similar truths. Each society has a way of looking at the world and has unique strengths. As believers in a Creator, it is only logical to assume that each of these characteristics are by design and not by accident. Therefore, diplomacy and negotiation involve understanding and working with the character, culture, and drives of that particular national entity. Furthermore, what is true for the macro is often true for the micro. When we need to negotiate with an individual or even in a personal relationship, it is vital to ascertain and recognize that person’s perspective, their needs, their way of looking at the world, and what they value. Without that insight, relationships become power games instead of collaboration.