VOLUME 110 NUMBER 1
Adar 2 12, 5784
March 22, 2024
SPECIAL PURIM EDITION
Candlelighting Time 6:56 PM
Purim is here with the masks and hamantashen. However, what is behind those masks. What is the essence of this incredibly exciting and joyous Yom Tov? R’ Yitzchok Luria better known as the AriZl suggests an amazing understanding of this special day. In Hebrew, the word Yom Kippur contains within its spelling the word Purim. Therefore, he states that even Yom Kippur, which we all view as the most auspicious and hallowed day of the year, is only like Purim. This statement requires a deep analysis. After all, on Yom Kippur we are very serious and extremely focused on repentance, not an easy task. There is no frivolous activity on that important day as we abstain from all kinds of physical comfort such as eating and drinking. How can we fathom that Yom Kippur doesn’t reach the level of significance of Purim when we are dancing around, drinking wine, singing aloud and in general a little bit loose?
The Talmud states that on Yom Kippur we gain the status of angels. The gematria, numerical equivalent of Hebrew letters for the word referring to the evil influence which pervades this world is 364. There are 365 days in the solar year. Yom Kippur is that one day of the year lacking the influence of evil in its entirety. We are truly angelic on that singular day. Still, how does one define what an angel is?
Angels exist in a pristine environment that is devoid of all physicality. Therefore, their recognition of Hashem is totally unadulterated. They have an absolute clarity of Hashem, not His essence which is beyond their scope as well, but rather a patently distinct understanding of Hashem and the scope of His domination. We do not possess that degree of clearness due to our corporeal shackles that bind us to this world of bodily necessities. When we shirk to the best of our ability those fetters, then we elevate ourselves to a higher and more expansive frame of mind and understanding. We really have the opportunity to elevate ourselves and access a vista of life in general and our personal agenda as well on Yom Kippur!
Purim has a special feature and superiority that is unique and not analogous to any other Yom Tov. This narrative occurs when we were in the midst of what the Sages refer to as “hester ponim” or the hidden face. Hashem’s Name is not mentioned visibly even once in the Megillah although it is alluded to. Even though we are aware of Hashem’s Hand in orchestrating the events that transpired then, clear evidence of His participation is absent. Of course, Mordechai, the hero of this story and Esther, the heroine were keenly perceptive of this reality, nonetheless the vast majority of the populace did not share their vision or concede to their view of reality. Rather, they accused Mordechai of inciting Haman when he did not bow down to him unaware of the true picture that their participation in the royal party was really the cause of their downfall.
We often fall into the same trap of political, economic or social interference in discerning the truth of what is occurring to our nation. Instead of beseeching Hashem to assist us, we mistakenly acknowledge other sources that are not really responsible for current events. Perhaps we need a dose of angelic concentrate!
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS AND PURIM
The main celebratory meal on Purim is during the day. After we read the Megillah daytime our recognition of the events is more impacting and poignant.
S’FAS EMES
GOOD SHABBOS AND HAPPY PURIM
AS MENTIONED PURIM IS A TIME TO DISCERN HASHEM’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE GLOBAL, NATIONAL AND PERSONAL SCENE. MANY WONDER HOW IS IT THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING AND YET THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL IS NOT IN SIGHT! MORDECHAI AND ESTHER UNDERSTOOD THE POWER OF PRAYER AND REPENTANCE AND BEFORE SHE ENTERED THE ROYAL CHAMBER SHE AND HER MAIDENS FASTED FOR THREE DAYS. ON THURSDAY WE FASTED TO BESEECH HASHEM
TO ASSIST US IN THIS GREAT TIME OF NEED. PURIM IS A TIME FOR ENHANCED PRAYER. LET US USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO STORM THE GATES OF HEAVEN AND REQUEST THAT THE WAR ENDS, THE HOSTAGES ARE FREED AND PEACE WILL REIGN IN ERETZ YISROEL.
