In many Jewish communities, before the Covid era of course, Purim jesters would visit homes to enliven the festivities and collect money for worthy causes. They sang a famous Yiddish song-song that roughly translates to this: “Today is Purim, tomorrow no more. Give me a dollar and throw me out the door.” Once the last crumbs of Hamentashen disappear and the costumes get stored away is Purim truly no more? Upon studying the Megillah closely many are surprised to discover that the miracle of Purim was an episode that extended for close to a year. (Sound familiar…?) Storytellers often make it seem as if once Haman was killed the Jews lived happily ever after... That's not what happened. Haman cast his lots two days before Passover and scheduled the Final Solution for eleven months later. Mordechai and Esther swiftly sprung to action and within three days Haman was hanging from the gallows, but his murderous decree was still very much alive. Since it was signed with the king's signet ring, the Jews still faced a terrifying end as long as Achashveirosh remained in power. Even after Esther begged and pleaded that he rescind the decree, the mighty king demurred claiming it was “against protocol.” Once a decree was stamped with the royal signet ring it was unchangeable. For two months Mordechai and Esther petitioned incessantly, until Achashveirosh finally agreed to issue a counter decree that the Jews should defend themselves on the day they were condemned to death. By no means had the danger passed until they were victorious the next year. The decree had an interesting loophole since it only targeted “Yehudim” which referred specifically to Jews who refused to become heathens. A Jew that would forsake his or her faith in G-d would be spared death but no one used this escape. The entire Jewish nation faced the ultimate test of faith and they passed it with flying colors. For a full year, every single Jew clung to Judaism under penalty of death. It emerges that the miracle of Purim did not only unfold in the halls of power but in the behavior of every Jewish man, woman and child for the duration of an entire year. Their deepest connection to G-d was on full display - every single day. More than any other holiday, Purim illustrates that Torah and Mitzvot are not exclusive to special times and places. Judaism is not only relevant on Shabbat and Festivals, in the synagogue, around the seder table or next to the menorah. We are Jews every moment of the day, wherever we are. Turns out that every day is Purim.