Earlier this week I had the pleasure of making a quick trip to New York City to celebrate the wedding of a nephew. The wedding was a joyous affair and I wish the young couple abundant blessing in their new marriage.
On the return flight I noticed an interesting phenomenon. After reaching the cruising altitude I imagined that we were in a similar situation as Noah’s Ark: Every conceivable species lived aboard the specially constructed ship for a full year in relative harmony. Our flight had 100 travelers of every conceivable type flouting 35,000 feet above the ground for a few hours and everyone seemed to get along. Perhaps an example of true harmony.
However, walking down the aisle I observed something very different. Fairly recently, American Airlines domestic flights started to provide private screens throughout the cabin allowing each passenger to choose his or her entertainment preference. As I scanned the cabin I realized that everyone was engrossed in their own world. Although the atmosphere was peaceful, these hours of join travel did not necessarily result in real bonding between the fellow travelers.
The holiday of Purim expresses the idea of true unity. Haman accused the Jewish nation of being “scattered among the nations” not only geographically, but more importantly, disconnected from each other and from G-d and His Torah. This argument persuaded Achashveirosh that the time was ripe to annihilate our people despite the fact that the Jews had flourished socially and economically in the ancient Persian Kingdom.
The Jewish reaction to the terrible decree was to unite in repentance and prayer. They all tuned in to the same channel. Their shared identity was expressed in the uniformity of their passion and sacrifice for Torah and Mitzvot. Every Jew was proud to be a member of the tribe and played the part.
It was in this merit that the tables were turned and the Jews once again prevailed over their enemies giving birth to the holiday of Purim. Appropriately, we celebrate Purim with the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot – sharing gifts of food with friends – to express the true unity that we experienced then and that we are empowered to perpetuate today as well.
As Purim is celebrated around the globe, we must be mindful that knowing we are on the same boat is not sufficient; we must be tuned in to the same channel. Jewish unity does not mean merely tolerating and respecting each other – it necessitates active involvement in joint celebration. This Purim we will unite in observing the unique Purim mitzvoth that Mordechai and Esther requested of us and this unity will continue throughout the year.
I invite you to join us for the Megilla Reading and Purim Bash on Wednesday, March 23 at 7:30pm and to the “Purim in Persia” festive dinner on March 24 at 6:00pm. I look forward to celebrating together.
Best wishes for a Good Shabbos and a Happy Purim!
Rabbi Yisrael Greenberg
On Purim – March 23-24 – be sure to observe the four unique mitzvoth of the day.
1. Listen to the Purim story read from a kosher Megillah on March 23 in the evening and throughout the day of March 24.
2. Give charity to at least two poor families, or to organizations that will properly distribute the money during the day of March 24.
3. Share gifts of food with a friend during the day of March 24.
4. Partake in a festive feast during the day of March 24.
For more information about the Purim story, lessons, observances, recipes and more, I invite you to visit www.chabadelpaso.com/purim