Tag Archives: Purim

Purim: Turning Trials into Triumphs

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As we approach the Jewish holiday of Purim this Sunday, it’s a great time to reflect on its deeper meaning—not just for Jews but anyone who values courage, justice, and the power of standing up for what is right.

Purim’s Story of Resilience

Purim is a celebration of survival and resilience in the face of adversity. As the Book of Esther recounts, the story is a dramatic tale of unexpected twists, courage, and ultimate redemption. It tells how Esther, a young Jewish woman who became queen, and her cousin Mordechai worked together to thwart a plot by Haman, an influential advisor who sought to annihilate the Jewish people in the Persian Empire.

For many, Purim is a time of joy, marked by wearing costumes, sharing festive meals, and embracing the tradition of “drinking until one cannot discern between the wicked Haman and the righteous Mordechai.” But beyond the festivities, Purim is a “holiday of reversals”—a moment to think deeply about the nature of good and evil and how quickly they can swap places depending on perspective and circumstance.

Historically, the events of Purim occurred in 369 BCE during the reign of King Achashverosh. Haman’s personal vendetta against Mordechai spiralled into a plan to destroy the entire Jewish population of the empire. Yet, Esther’s bravery and Mordechai’s wisdom turned the tables, leading to Haman’s downfall. The story is a powerful reminder of how courage and unity can overcome hatred and injustice.

Lessons from Esther’s Story for Today’s World

The story of Esther isn’t just a Jewish story—it’s a human story. Yoram Hazony’s book, God and Politics in Esther, offers a fresh take on this ancient narrative, showing how the political intrigue and power struggles of Esther’s time still resonate today. Hazony’s insights remind us that conflicts often begin with personal grudges or misunderstandings that grow into something more significant. This pattern is repeated throughout history in various cultures and contexts.

In today’s world, Esther’s story reminds us of the importance of standing up against misrepresentation and prejudice. Just as Esther faced false accusations and threats, many groups today find themselves mischaracterized or unfairly targeted. This can happen in political debates, media portrayals, or everyday interactions where misunderstandings turn into divisions.

Echoes of Esther: Recognizing and Challenging Distorted Narratives

One of Purim’s most relevant aspects is its warning about the danger of distorted narratives. Esther’s story highlights how misinformation can fuel conflict and hatred—an issue that remains all too real today. Whether we are talking about historical events or modern-day politics, the distortion of truth has a profound impact.

Take, for example, the modern conflicts involving Israel. The narrative surrounding Israel is often charged and complex, shaped by deeply rooted histories and contemporary struggles. Just as Esther’s people faced existential threats and were misrepresented while defending themselves, Israel today often faces biased portrayals in some media and international forums.

However, this issue isn’t unique to Israel. Misunderstandings and distorted narratives affect many communities worldwide. Whether it’s misinformation about refugees, ethnic minorities, or religious groups, these skewed perspectives can lead to real-world consequences, from prejudice to violence. By learning from the story of Purim, we can better understand the importance of questioning biases and advocating for more balanced narratives.

Lessons for a More Just World

Purim teaches us that resilience, courage, and unity are vital to overcoming adversity. These lessons are universal. In a world where it’s easy to fall into “us versus them” mentalities, Esther’s story encourages us to look beyond our immediate fears and biases and to act with compassion and wisdom.

As we celebrate Purim, whether you are Jewish or not, let’s take this opportunity to reflect on how we can stand up against injustice in our own lives. Let’s draw inspiration from Esther’s bravery and Mordechai’s commitment to their people and work towards a world where all communities can live with dignity, safety, and mutual respect.

May this holiday inspire us all—no matter our background—to stand firm in adversity, seek truth, and work towards a more just and peaceful future. Here’s to celebrating with joy, reflection, and a renewed commitment to building bridges rather than walls.

For more insights into Purim and its relevance today, feel free to explore my previous posts: What Can Purim Teach Us Today?, Jerusalem’s Unique Purim Celebration: A Blend of Festivity and Tradition, and CIJR Colloquium: The Iranian Question & Purim’s Lessons.

Footnotes:

  1. Marcus, Yosef. “The Megillah in English.” Kehot Publication Society. https://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article_cdo/aid/109275/jewish/In-English.htm.

 

Jerusalem’s Unique Purim Celebration: A Blend of Festivity and Tradition

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Every year, as the 14th day of Adar draws near, the air in Jerusalem begins to hum with anticipation. There’s something magical about how this ancient city transforms for Purim with its winding cobblestone streets and modern energy—a celebration that’s as much about community and tradition as it is about joy and festivity.

Purim in Jerusalem isn’t just any celebration; it’s unique. While most of the world marks Purim on the 14th of Adar, Jerusalem—a city steeped in history and designated as a “walled city” in sacred texts—celebrates it a day later. This year, on March 6 and 7, I found myself once again swept up in the vibrant spirit that pulses through the streets during this time.

To outsiders, Purim might look like a blend of Mardi Gras and Halloween, with its colourful costumes and lively parades. But for those of us who have grown up with these traditions, Purim is so much more. It’s a holiday that, while filled with laughter and light, also carries deep spiritual significance.

The streets are alive with the sights and sounds of celebration—children darting around in costumes, friends exchanging Shalach Manot (those delightful food gifts), and families gathering for the seudah, the festive meal that caps off the day. Yet, for me, the most profound part of Purim is the reading of the Megillah, the ancient text that recounts the story of Queen Esther.

This year, I returned to Simhat Shlomo, my former Yeshiva nestled in the heart of Nahlaot, a neighbourhood teeming with life next to Jerusalem’s famous Shuk. Walking through the bustling market, where vendors sell everything from Purim masks to hamantaschen, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of connection. The joy in the air was palpable, even in the most unexpected places—like the cell phone store I popped into, where the infectious Purim spirit had even taken over the staff!

The evening Megillah reading at Simhat Shlomo was nothing short of magical. Rabbi Leibish Hundert’s voice carried through the room, each word of the Megillah resonating with history and meaning. I was surrounded by a diverse crowd—men, women, children—all united in anticipation. It was a moment that felt timeless and deeply personal as if we were all part of something bigger than ourselves.

As I recorded snippets of the reading, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of sharing these moments later, hoping to capture what makes Purim in Jerusalem so special. The Yeshiva was filled with lively conversation and spontaneous bursts of song, a reminder that Purim isn’t just about the past—it’s about the here and now, the connections we forge and the joy we share.

Later that afternoon, I joined my nephew, niece, and other family members for a Purim feast that felt like coming home. We laughed, told stories, and indulged in the traditional foods that have been part of our family’s Purim celebrations for as long as I can remember. There’s something about sharing a meal with loved ones on Purim that makes the holiday’s message of unity and joy come alive.

Looking back on this year’s celebration, I’m reminded why I love Purim in Jerusalem. It’s a celebration that weaves together the old and the new, the sacred and the joyful, in a uniquely Jerusalem way. Whether it’s the Megillah readings that echo through the city or the colourful costumes that bring smiles to everyone’s faces, Purim in Jerusalem is a reminder of the power of tradition and the joy of community.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into the lessons Purim can teach us today, I invite you to check out my earlier post, “What Purim Can Teach Us Today.”

Shabbat in Jerusalem

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Upon my return to Israel, I spent my first Shabbat at my nephew’s home in Kiryat Menachem, a charming suburb nestled in the hills of Jerusalem. The city’s growth was impossible to miss—there was a buzz about the expanding train services, and the cranes dotting the skyline hinted at the changes underway. Yet, Kiryat Menachem retained its unique charm, feeling like a “fifteen-minute city” where everything you need is just a short walk away. With its preserved green spaces, this older neighbourhood was perfect for a leisurely Shabbat stroll. We took full advantage, walking along the Shvil Yisrael (the Israel Trail) and soaking in the vibrant hues of Jerusalem’s spring flowers.

The kids, of course, were the highlight of the weekend. My seven-year-old nephew, Eitam, was incredibly excited to show off his Purim costume. He had chosen to be the Saba—a sweet, grandfatherly figure who hands out candy during Shabbat services in synagogues worldwide. Armed with his actual Saba’s cane and a bag of sweets from the local store, he took on the role with gusto. My eleven-year-old niece, Yehudit, wasn’t about to be outdone. She transformed into her teacher with a dress, purse, glasses, and even a wig. Watching her strut around the house, mimicking her teacher’s mannerisms, had us all in stitches.

The following Shabbat, I settled into my new home in the Katamon neighbourhood, a quintessential Jerusalem enclave. In this place, the buildings must be clad in the city’s signature pink Jerusalem stone, giving the streets a timeless, cohesive look. Lined with those distinctive pink stone garden fences, my street felt like something out of a storybook.

Moving into my snug apartment was like stepping into a new chapter of my life. The space is small but cozy, with an enclosed balcony that brings the outside in. That first Saturday afternoon, around 3 o’clock, I captured some photos of the place, which featured kids and their caregivers—women and men, all enjoying the peaceful Shabbat together.

One of my first neighbours, Joyce, who had just moved from Toronto to Israel, welcomed me with a delicious homemade challah that felt like a warm hug from home. Eager to explore more local flavours, I tried food from a nearby eatery that caters to the Shabbat crowd. The area is rich with synagogues, and I was particularly drawn to the Chabad House Synagogue, where I learned about their post-service lunch tradition.

Attending their Friday night services was an eye-opener. On my way home, I encountered a group of people standing in the middle of the road, deep in conversation. One of them recognized me—it was the broker who had recently sold her mother’s apartment to me. She invited me to join them for supper and lunch the next day. It was an unexpected moment that instantly connected you to a new place.

The next day, as I made my way to the synagogue, I passed by a schoolyard full of children playing—a heartwarming sight that reminded me of the universality of childhood. I found the adult service inside the synagogue and was pleasantly surprised to hear a woman giving the Sabbath talk in an Orthodox setting. At the Chabad kiddush after the service, I sat with two English-speaking women with deep ties to Jerusalem and Israel. One was visiting her in-laws, and the other was a divorced woman embarking on a new journey in our neighbourhood. As we talked, we discovered a shared history—we had all lived on Lake Street in White Plains, NY, during nearly the same period years ago. One of those “small world” moments made you smile and marvel at how interconnected our lives can be.

These connections, both new and old, are what made my first Shabbats in Jerusalem so special. There’s a warmth here, a sense of community that transcends time and distance, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.

What Can Purim Teach Us Today?

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Purim commemorates the rescue of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Hebrew Bible’s Book of Esther. The story involves a Persian official named Haman, who seeks to exterminate the Jewish population of Persia. However, his plans are foiled by Esther, a Jewish queen, and her cousin Mordecai.

The story of Purim serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of antisemitism and the abuse of power. It highlights the risks of discrimination and prejudice and shows the devastating impact when these harmful mindsets influence those in power. The holiday is observed with readings of the Book of Esther, joyous gatherings, and charitable contributions, providing an opportunity to reflect on its deep moral and historical importance.

The Salvation of the Jews: How Mordechai and Esther Foiled Haman’s Plot in Ancient Persia

Haman, the second-in-command to King Ahasuerus of the Persian Empire, persuaded the king to issue a decree that would lead to the killing of all Jews living in the 127 lands of the Persian Empire. However, his evil plan was thwarted by Mordechai and Esther, whose courage and strategic actions saved their people. The entire story is recounted in the Megillah, or the Scroll of Esther, read annually in Jewish homes and synagogues worldwide.

“When Haman saw that Mordechai would neither kneel nor prostrate himself before him, Haman became full of wrath. But it seemed contemptible to him to lay hands on Mordechai alone, for they had told him Mordechai’s nationality, and Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout Ahasuerus’s entire kingdom, Mordechai’s people.”

Haman said to King Ahasuerus:

“There is a certain people scattered and separate among the peoples throughout all the provinces of your kingdom, and their laws differ from [those of] every people, and they do not keep the king’s laws; it is [therefore] of no use for the king to let them be. If it pleases the king, let it be written to destroy them, and I will weigh out ten thousand silver talents into the hands of those who perform the work to bring [it] into the king’s treasuries.”

The king took the ring off his hand, gave it to Haman, and said to him:

“The silver is given to you and the people to do to them as it pleases you.”

Understanding Prejudice: The Resilience and Targeting of the Jewish Community

Haman’s actions reflect a timeless pattern of targeting Jews based on lies and misconceptions—patterns that have persisted throughout history. Prejudice often stems from personal biases and assumptions rather than facts. Jews, known for coexisting with diverse civilizations for over two thousand years, have faced discrimination despite their commitment to societal laws and values, including respect for authority.

Many biases are based on stereotypes that inaccurately paint all group members with the same brush. This leads to harmful misconceptions, allowing prejudice to thrive. The Jewish community has been frequently targeted due to financial motives and misinformation, a narrative that echoes from Haman’s era to modern times.

Purim’s Universal Message Against Discrimination

While Purim specifically commemorates Jewish survival, its themes resonate universally. The story underscores resilience against persecution and serves as a narrative that mirrors the experiences of many minority groups, including Black people, Indigenous populations, immigrants, and other ethnic minorities. Discrimination’s destructive impact is a shared human experience, emphasizing the importance of confronting hatred in all its forms.

“You have got to be taught to hate and fear. You have got to be carefully taught.”

The Roots of Nazi Antisemitism and Modern Prejudice

Haman’s hatred found echoes in history, most notably in Nazi antisemitism. The Nazis falsely accused Jews of plotting against Germany, blaming them for the country’s defeat in World War I. Despite their service and sacrifice—100,000 Jews served in the German military during World War I—their loyalty was met with suspicion and violence.

Historical myths like the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a fabricated text claiming Jewish control over global finances, have fueled dangerous stereotypes. These ideas have no basis in reality yet continue to influence modern antisemitic narratives. The consequences are seen in ongoing slanders against Jews, accusations against prominent figures, and baseless conspiracy theories about Jewish control.

Deborah Lipstadt, a scholar of genocide and the Holocaust, explains how antisemitism operates differently from other forms of racism:

“The racist ‘punches down’ and loathes persons of colour because they are apparently ‘lesser than’ the white person… In contrast, the antisemite’ punches up.’ The Jew is supposedly more powerful, ingenious, and financially adept than the non-Jew. Neither of these is true; they separate and isolate one group from the other.”

These historical patterns underline the persistent need to combat prejudice, not only against Jews but against all marginalized groups.

Lessons from the Megillah Text and the Joy of Purim Celebration

The Megillah offers insights into social dynamics and human behaviour, portraying characters with varied motivations and moralities. These timeless lessons continue to inspire us and remind us of the importance of standing up against discrimination.

Above all, Purim is a celebration of resilience. Today, we dress in costumes, exchange gifts, give to the poor, and come together in joy and solidarity. It is a day to reflect on our shared humanity and the enduring fight against hate.

The story of Mordechai and Esther reminds us of the ongoing threats of antisemitism and the abuse of power. As we celebrate Purim, let us commit to standing against all forms of injustice, ensuring that our communities remain strong and resilient in the face of adversity.

Happy Purim!

 

Iran’s Growing Threat: Purim’s Lessons for Israel and Global Security

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During an event organized by the Canadian Institute for Jewish Research (CIJR), a group of experts gathered to discuss how Iran’s growing power is affecting Israel’s safety and the situation in the Middle East. The experts noted that many countries already feel the effects of Iran’s activities, highlighting how important it is for nations to work together to confront this challenge.

Speakers such as Professors Frederick Krantz, Harold Waller, and Norrin Ripsman discussed key challenges facing the Middle East today, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ongoing regional conflicts, and the geopolitical changes that followed the “Arab Spring.” The main focus of the discussions was Israel’s security, but the wider implications of Iran’s influence, which stretches around the globe and affects overall stability, couldn’t be ignored. Rabbi Yonah Rosner shared some interesting thoughts, connecting the Jewish holiday of Purim to today’s challenges and reminding us how those ancient stories still resonate with our current situation.

Rabbi Rosner compared ideas from Jewish tradition to help explain these issues. This Purim story recalls a time when the Jewish people were at great risk in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). On Purim, Jews reflect on the bravery of Queen Esther and her uncle Mordechai, who stepped up to protect their people from harm. While this story is a vital part of Jewish history, its message resonates with everyone: the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression. Rabbi Rosner emphasized the need to remember these pivotal moments in history. This is important not just for Jews but for anyone who values what history teaches us. He pointed out similarities between the threats faced by Jews in ancient Persia and the dangers we see in modern-day Iran. He reminded us that staying aware of real threats to peace and security is essential.

The Purim story isn’t only about the Jewish experience—it’s a reminder for all of us of how vital unity and action are during tough times. Throughout history, people have faced challenges that called for them to unite and make quick decisions. Professor Krantz pointed out the important role of Israel’s leaders, especially Prime Minister Netanyahu, in protecting their citizens and Jewish people worldwide. Like Queen Esther’s call for unity, the meeting stressed the need for countries to work together to solve our shared security problems.

Rabbi Rosner pointed out something important about the Purim story—there’s no direct divine intervention. It’s about people stepping up, showing courage, and leading. This lesson goes beyond religion; throughout history, people have faced challenging situations by being resilient and determined rather than waiting for miracles. It reminds us of the responsibility both leaders and everyday people have when it comes to standing up in the face of danger.

In addition to these serious reflections, the Purim tradition brings a sense of lightness and joy. Jews worldwide read the Megillah (the scroll telling the story of Esther) and participate in playful theatrical performances called Purim spiels. One Yiddish saying, “Man plans and God laughs,” captures the irony and unpredictability of life—a theme that can resonate with people from all walks of life. We may not always control the world’s events, but we can choose how we respond to them.

The meeting’s discussion became even more timely as President Obama prepared to address the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) the following day. Strong leadership came up repeatedly, especially with the focus on global security and the threat from Iran. Some speakers compared today’s leaders to King Achashverosh from the Purim story. They pointed out that his indecision put his people in danger. This comparison shows us the importance of clear leadership when we face today’s geopolitical challenges.

As we think about Iran’s role in global security, the key lessons from the Purim story—unity, vigilance, and leadership—are still important for everyone, no matter their background. By learning from past and present threats, we can work together to create a safer and more stable future for all.

Wishing everyone a safe and thoughtful Purim.