Purim - Taking Off the Mask

B"H

As we "shluchim" prepare a wild, spectacular Purim experience for the students here, I wish you a very Happy Purim! Our sages say, that the holiday of Purim draws down joy for the entire year-so make sure to have fun! To find your local Chabad center: www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/aid/15676/jewish/Advanced-Search.htm.
If you're a college student: http://www.chabad.org/centers/campus.htm


If you don't know the Purim story (see: www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article_cdo/aid/645995/jewish/The-Basic-Purim-Story.htm), in short: In 4th century BCE, the Persian King Ahasuerus, who practically ruled the entire world at the time, was convinced by his evil advisor Haman to issue a decree against all the Jews to be destroyed. The King's Jewish queen, Esther, successfully changed the King's mind and he issued a new decree for the Jews to defend themselves. The Jews throughout the lands subsequently won a short war, and we celebrate that victory ever since.

Since we know everything in this world occurs b/c of a certain spiritual, inner reason- this harsh decree and subsequent reversal of good fortune resulted from the Jewish people's reactions to their surroundings.

After the destruction of the 1st holy Temple in Jerusalem, the Jews were exiled to nearby lands, primarily Babylonia. Soon after his ascension to the throne, King Ahasuerus threw a huge 180-day party (Beat that SDSU!) inviting all the town's residents to come.
Understandably speaking, the Jewish people of the area felt that it was time to "suck up" to the new King and decided to attend. At this party, the King displayed various vessels from the Jewish temple that had been seized after its destruction. The Jewish people enjoyed the feast greatly, and felt that, (although sadly they weren't in their holy land) at least they had a comfortable position in their new land.

This, our sages say, was what sparked the decree against us in heaven. The Jews put their trust in their country's king, instead of the true king-Hashem, the "King of all Kings". Soon after, the "physical" decree down here was issued. NOW, one would think, the Jews weren't in such bad shape! At that time, the Jews had a leader, Mordechai, who had a high political position and was stationed at the entrance to the king's palace at all times.
Not to mention our own Jewish QUEEN! We were seriously hooked up. But Mordechai and Esther realized what was really going on. That their people's fate lay in G-d's Hands. That their people were mistaken in their belief that "fitting in" and assimilating into the new culture was the path to success and joy.

Therefore they reacted to the news of the decree in an "unnatural" way. Instead of petitioning the king or holding rallies, Mordechai donned sackcloth and ashes, while Esther began fasting. Esther requested that ALL Jews throughout all the lands fast for 3 days and turn their hearts toward Hashem for help. Esther needed all the help she could get, for she was planning to risk her life and approach King Ahasuerus uninvited and ask for help (ed. note: we MUST use natural means in this world to succeed; however, knowing all along that G-d is the One TRULY behind our every success). Esther approached the king while fasting! You'd think she would spend many days of pampering and beauty sleep, with top makeup preparation. Anything but fasting! (ed. note: she wasn't an 80-pound model). So WHY did she fast? B/C she understood that Hashem was in Control! Not a king of flesh & blood.
The Jewish people responded in kind; spending a year in service of G-d and not being intimidated by the impending decree. They refused to give in and assimilate to avert the decree, never bowing down to idols and gathering in large groups to learn Torah in public.

IN 2009, where there are more "Kings and Queens" on CBS than ruling the world, WHAT can we learn from our beloved Purim story?
Significantly, the only book of the 24 books of Tanach W/OUT 1 mention of G-d's Name, is Megillat Esther-the Story of Purim. And yet it's obvious how G-d's Hand is apparent throughout the events, orchestrating and maneuvering everything perfectly into place. How everything is run by Hashem. True, no seas were split, and no water turned to blood. No voice came out to tell the Jews to follow G-d and "all would work out". But the Jews had 'bitachon'-trust in Hashem. And like a reflection in water, our turning of our hearts to G-d was reflected w/ the success we trusted in. The Jewish People realized that the true Hand behind every detail of their lives, the guiding force behind every step they took, was Hashem, and not the physical environment alone.
We too have our own Megillah story. Hashem's name isn't OPENLY seen or "mentioned", yet He places us where we are in life for a reason, and runs everything through the cloak of nature. We have to react the way the Jews did then, turning to G-d During our good times-and our hard times- and follow Him to Victory!

Let's celebrate Purim (Monday Night) and revel in the One who Guides the world and our every step. 'Megillat Esther' can be pronounced 'Megale hester'-to 'Reveal the Hidden'-that's the lesson of Purim and of life. When we bite into the hard surface of our hamantaschen pastry, and taste the sweet inside, let's remember the sweet inner reasons behind the hard points in our life. When you see other Jews dressing up w/ masks, remember that Hashem Wears a mask in this world, called Nature. Let's reveal Hashem's Presence in our own lives, and ask that Hashem stop being so discreet and Reveal His True Self with the coming of Moshiach Now!
Happy Purim!

Daniel
New Haven, CT

~4 Mitzvot of Purim~

1. Give charity to at least two needy people.
2. Send a minimum of two ready-to-eat foods to at least one person.
3. Sit down for a royal feast.
4. Read or hear the Megillah (Scroll of Esther) at night and by day.
(5. Monday day is the fast of Esther. Try your best!)

*For much more beautiful words on this subject by the Lubavitcher Rebbe: http://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article_cdo/aid/109296/jewish/Purim-Messages.htm