Unraveling the Mysteries of Purim

B''H

Hamantaschen and vodka, costumes and gifts- are all around the corner!
This Thursday night and Friday we celebrate Purim.
One of the coolest holidays around, Purim is simply the bomb. And when
looking deeper into the story of Purim, behind all the fun we find the
deepest of secrets and lessons for life unraveled in front of our
eyes...

In 'Megillat Esther' ('The Book of Esther'-named after the heroine of
our story) we find G-d's Name mentioned...Not once! Out of all 24
books of "Tanach"-this is the only book without mention.
Also, throughout the story of Purim; from Esther's ascension to the
throne, to Haman's attempt to annul the Jewish People, and the
eventual victory of the Jews, we don't see anything OPENLY unnatural
or miraculous occurring! What's so special and unique about the story
of Purim?

Chassidus explains that this is precisely the special quality and
lesson of Purim.
In our day to day lives in 2008, life seems pretty natural. True,
interesting events occur in the world, and the Jewish People
especially seem to strive on interesting occurrences, but we've always
been lucky: take the 6-day war for instance! And throughout our own
personal journeys in life, random events have occurred and will occur,
sometimes dramatic twists and turns in every direction-yet we make it
through.

Through seemingly natural events, the Jewish People annulled the
decree against their lives and arose victorious over their evil
enemies; G-d's Name never mentioned once: a lucky victory!
But the lesson 'Megillat Esther' is teaching us, is that in our world
and in our lives,
G-d is Directing everything. Just like in Purim, when the Jews somehow
arose victorious over impending doom, G-d, concealed and through
nature, saved us. Today as well, if we look deeper into the world's
events and into our own life's story,
we can find the story of Purim-G-d's Guidance of events for our
benefit. "Esther" comes from the hebrew word "Hester"- which means
"Hidden". "Megillah" comes from the word "Me-galeh" which means
"reveal." We have to realize G-d's Presence, Even if We don't openly
see Him, and reveal that which is hidden. He's there Behind us all the
way, for each of us in our own personal life, and for our people as a
whole. How have we made it this far?


WHICH brings us to one more very powerful lesson we can learn from the
Purim Story. After King Achashveirosh (say that 10-times fast :)
issued a decree for our people's destruction something strange
occurred. Mordechai, our leader at the time, was very powerful and had
influence in the King's court. What did he do immediately after he
heard the decree issued?
He put on sackcloth and ashes and began to fast! I mean, Come on, use
some connections here or something!
Esther, Achashveirosh's beloved Queen, had to approach the king to
find a way to save the fate of her People, even though it meant
risking her very life (1 never approached the King unless called
upon). SO what did Esther do to prepare for her visit to the inner
chamber of the King? Did she call in the finest makeup artists and
perfumers of her city 'Shushan'? Nope, Esther fasted for 3 days! It
seems that's not the smartest way to gain favor in a King's eyes!
(editor's note: I apologize if models and others disagree with me on
this one).
What were Esther and Mordechai thinking?
Esther, Mordechai, and the entire Jewish people (who also fasted and
prayed), realized that King Achashveirosh wasn't the one in charge of
their fate: it was G-d. Esther and Mordechai used practical means to
win as well, but their intention throughout was entirely in placing
their trust in G-d. And that's why we won. That's why Esther found
favor in the King's eyes and the Jewish People ended up in joyful
victory and we have Purim today. This holiday means so much for it
shows us that forever in our world, amongst the nations, G-d Is in
Control and Behind us.

Through our own trusting in G-d in our daily lives; realizing that our
boss at work isn't in total control of our fate, not even good ol'
Barack Obama! Rather, G-d Runs the show. We must do all we can in the
realms of nature, but ultimately, like the Jews of Purim, we must
place our complete trust, hope and commitment, in our G-d- and then
we'll be assured of victory.
Moshiach Now!

Happy Purim!!!
-Daniel
Thurs.-'Fast of Esther'-commemorating the fast of the Jews to annul
the evil decree.
Thurs. Night-Hear the Megillah reading. Then Get ready to party hardy,
all night, celebrating our people's victory!!

Friday-We have 4 Mitzvot (commandments) to do:

1) Eat a big meal in honor of Purim ;)
2) Give 2 foods in a package to 1 person ("Mishloach Manot")
3) Give charity to 2 poor people.
4) Hear the Megillah read.
Oh, AND #5: Be Joyful!!

(visit Chabad.org for info on Purim and to find the nearest Purim activities!)