The Inner Light of Tetzaveh and Purim: Garments of the Soul and Hashem’s Hidden Hand

As we approach Taanit Esther and Purim, Parashat Teztaveh invites us to reflect deeply on the "clothing" of the soul — how both garments and challenges reveal our inner essence and true beauty.

The Purest Oil: Shining Through Crushing

Parashat Tzav begins with the mitzvah to light the Menorah in the Mishkan, using only the purest olive oil— the first drops extracted after the olives are crushed.

Our sages teach:

• Just as light emerges from crushing, so too does our inner light shine brightest through life's challenges.

• When we persevere during "crushing" times, our true strength and emunah are revealed.

• This illuminates not only our own neshama but the world around us.

The Bigdei Kehunah and the Hidden Power of Garments

During Achashverosh’s grand feast, he mockingly wore the Bigdei Kehunah—the sacred garments of the Kohanim. Yet simply donning holy garments does not make a person holy.

In contrast, when Esther approached the king, the Megillah tells us: "Vatilbash Esther Malchut"—she clothed herself in royalty. Our sages explain this meant spiritual royalty—clothing that reflected her deep inner kedusha.

Similarly, the Bigdei Kehunah served not only for beauty but as a source of atonement for Klal Yisrael:

• The Me’il (robe) atoned for lashon hara.

• The Choshen (breastplate) atoned for the judges.

• The Avnet (belt) atoned for improper thoughts.

These garments inspired onlookers to yearn for dignity, kedusha, and inner refinement—leading to personal teshuvah.

Esther’s Teshuvah and Mordechai’s True Royalty

Before approaching Achashverosh, Esther fasted, prayed, and performed deep teshuvah. Her outer garments reflected this inner preparation, as expressed in the moving words of Tehillim 22: "Eli, Eli, lama azavtani?"—words connected to Taanit Esther.

After Haman’s downfall, Mordechai emerged in true royal garments—not as external show, but as a reflection of his inner nobility, unwavering faith, and loyalty to Torah.

The Hidden Message of Purim: Seeing Beyond the Surface

Purim’s central message is to look beyond appearances:

• Just as garments cover the neshama, so too Hashem’s presence is sometimes hidden.

• The name Esther comes from “Hastir astir panai”—I will surely hide My face.

• The Megillah never explicitly mentions Hashem’s Name—yet He is present in every detail.

We are reminded to seek Hashem’s hidden hand in our lives and to trust that even when He seems concealed, He is lovingly guiding us.

Parashat Zachor: Overcoming Amalek Through Emunah and Unity

This Shabbat is Parashat Zachor, when we remember the commandment to eradicate Amalek—the force that cools emunah and plants spiritual doubt.

• Amalek denied divine providence, seeing life as random "luck" or "lottery"—as reflected in the word Purim (lottery).

• Moshe Rabbeinu’s uplifted hands symbolize that victory comes through unwavering emunah.

• Mordechai’s refusal to bow to Haman showed pure faith, even when many doubted.

After the Purim miracle, Klal Yisrael reaffirmed their acceptance of Torah out of love and unity—"Ish echad b’lev echad", as one person with one heart.

"LaYehudim Hayta Ora V’Simcha": Our True Source of Joy

The verse after Purim’s salvation says: “LaYehudim hayta ora v’simcha v’sason v’yikar”:

• Ora—Torah

• Simcha—Yom Tov

• Sason—Brit milah

• Yikar—Tefillin

The joy of Purim is in embracing our true treasures: Torah, mitzvot, unity, and connection to Hashem—not material gain or assimilation.

Purim: Like Yom Kippur, A Day of Open Gates

Our sages teach that Purim is like Yom Kippurim—a time when the heavens are open, and sincere prayers are heard.

Even amidst personal struggles, on Purim we rejoice, give thanks, and beseech Hashem for blessings—for ourselves, our families, and all of Klal Yisrael.

Nahafochu: Hidden Blessings in Disguise

Purim’s ultimate theme is “Nahafochu”—the miraculous reversal of fortune. Often, what seems negative can turn into the greatest bracha:

Like the story of the chemist whose failed adhesive ultimately led to the invention of Post-It Notes—a global success born from disappointment.

So too in our lives, with emunah, even the darkest moments can reveal hidden goodness.

As we enter this Shabbat Zachor and prepare for Purim, may we all merit to experience Nahafochu—that all hardships be transformed into revealed brachos.

May Hashem bless us with Ora v’Simcha v’Sason v’Yikar, and may the coming days bring yeshua and geulah for all of Klal Yisrael.

Wishing you all a wonderful Shabbos and a joyous, uplifting Purim—sending love from Yerushalayim!