Unveiling the Hidden Hand: Lessons from Purim
- Yudit Rosenbaum
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
Purim: A Time to Strengthen Emunah and Jewish Unity
As we prepare for Purim — packing mishloach manot, planning the festive seudah, organizing costumes — let us pause and reflect on the deeper meaning of this joyful Yom Tov.
This message is dedicated l'ilui nishmat Shoshana bas R' Ador, our beloved Shoshana Weissman of Antwerp, a true role model of emunah and simchat chayim (joy of life). May her neshamah have an aliyah. Also dedicated l'ilui nishmat Rav Shlomo Ben Rav Yitzchak.
Taanit Esther: A Reminder of Faith in Times of Uncertainty
As Purim approaches, remember to recite Perek Tehillim 22 — Lamnatze'ach al Ayelet Hashachar — on Taanit Esther (this year on Thursday). These were the very words Esther HaMalka uttered before risking her life before Achashverosh, placing complete trust in Hashem.
Parashat Ki Tisa: Seeing Divine Providence Through the Veil
This Shabbat Parashat Ki Tisa, we read about Moshe Rabbeinu descending with the Luchot after the sin of the Golden Calf. Moshe, bewildered by the spiritual fall of Am Yisrael, pleads to understand Hashem's ways: Hareini na et kevodecha — "Show me Your glory."
Hashem answers: Ve’rachor tireh oti — "You will see Me from behind." Just as a ship’s powerful wake hints at its presence, so too can we recognize Hashem’s guidance after events unfold.
This lesson connects beautifully to Purim, when Hashem declared: Haster astir panai — "I will surely hide My face." In exile, we must seek out His hidden hand in history and personal life.
The Megillah: A Beacon of Emunah in Galut
Uniquely, Megillat Esther was recorded and added to Tanakh, even though it took place in exile. Esther HaMalka and Mordechai insisted on this — to preserve a guide for generations navigating galut.
Reading the Megillah on Purim is considered as great as reciting Hallel. Every word must be heard with intent, recognizing that the King referenced is often Hashem Himself — acting through concealed miracles.
The absence of Hashem’s explicit name teaches us that even when the Divine is hidden, He is ever present. Every detail of the Megillah reveals Hashem’s guiding hand.
Hashem Prepares Salvation Before Calamity
Before Haman’s decree, Esther was already queen. This illustrates the principle of Kadmala Maka — Hashem prepares the salvation before the calamity.
What brought about the harsh decree? Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai explains:
The Jews' apparent bowing to idols in Babylon.
Their participation in Achashverosh’s feasts, indicating a mistaken trust in worldly alliances over faith in Hashem.
This reminds us: our true strength lies in spiritual integrity and unwavering emunah.
Jewish Unity: The Power of Yehudah and Binyamin
The Megillah emphasizes unity: "Ish Yehudi hayah b'Shushan haBirah." Though Mordechai was from Binyamin, he is called "Yehudi" to underscore the deep bond between tribes.
In contrast to Haman’s claim, "one nation scattered and dispersed," Purim’s mitzvot foster achdut (unity):
Yehudah and Binyamin cooperated in the past, as seen when they leapt into the sea together and built the Beit HaMikdash — a unity that continues to inspire us.
Esther’s Emunah: Nourished by Mordechai
"Mordechai raised Esther (va'yhi omen)" — the same root as emunah. Esther’s unwavering faith, even in exile, teaches us the power of emunah passed down from generation to generation.
The Four Mitzvot of Purim: Building Jewish Unity and Faith
Mordechai established four mitzvot for Purim — each countering Haman’s accusations of disunity:
Reading the Megillah: Connecting to hidden miracles and lessons of emunah.
Mishloach Manot: Fostering friendship and unity.
Matanot La’Evyonim: Caring for the vulnerable and ensuring all can celebrate.
Seudat Purim: Joyful celebration of Hashem’s salvation.
These mitzvot are far more than tradition; they are acts of emunah and achdut, demonstrating our love and care for one another.
Embracing the Spirit of Purim: Emunah, Joy, and Unity
On this Purim, may we strengthen our emunah in Hashem’s hidden hand, foster unity within Am Yisrael, and experience true simchat Purim.
Wishing you and your families a joyous, uplifting, and meaningful Purim!
Comments