The Megillah of Esther tells us that the commemoration of the days of Purim will continue for all time; it will never disappear from Jewish life. Extraordinarily, the Talmud expands this statement to mean that even at the end of days, when other Torah commandments may no longer be needed given the exalted state of spirituality within the Jewish nation and mankind as a whole, the commemoration of Purim will continue.
Jews live a constant Purim story that unfolds through
every generation. The story of Purim, as it has come down to us through the
writings of Mordechai and Esther, is replete with individuals whose
personalities and actions both define the story and serve as prototypes for the
later personalities, ideas, plots and events as they evolve.
Every generation is charged with reviewing the story of Purim in its time, to view contemporary events and characters in the light of the grand heavenly scheme that Purim represents. Surveying today's scene and events, I think that I can identify someone who can fill the bill as far as King Achashveirosh is concerned. I can also cast someone as a humble and destroyed Queen Vashti. There is also an abundance of tyrants, Jew-haters and corrupt officials who certainly resemble Haman in our reconstruction of the Purim story. Even some of the minor characters of the Megillah, such as Charbonah, can be discerned in our current world. But my fantasy Purim story has not, as yet, been able to match the two main characters, the heroic figures that make the story of Purim timeless and eternal.
Who is to play the roles of Mordechai and Esther in
our current Purim scenario? Where are they when, seemingly, we need them most?
Against all odds, ignoring advice from friends and threats from foes, Mordechai
will not kneel nor bow down to false gods and cruel tyrants. Queen Esther for her
part risks life and limb, position and honor, wealth and comfort, to come to
the aid of her people in their hour of need. She is a Jewess first and only
secondarily is she the queen of Persia. These two people, Mordechai and Esther,
have set very high standards for Jewish behavior for later generations.
Criticized from within and persecuted from without, they persevered and through
their loyalty and commitment to the Torah and the Jewish nation, brought about
salvation and triumph.
There are such people amongst us today as well. Our
task is to recognize and identify them, strengthen them in their efforts and
support them against misguided other Jews and non-Jews. We all have the ability
to do this.
It apparently requires dangerous circumstances to
bring about some semblance of Jewish unity. Even then, there are always those
who dissent, carp and criticize. They were present in Persia long ago when the original
Purim story unfolded, and they exist today in various forms, organizations and
institutions. They profess support for great human goals and deep concern for
the future of the Jewish people while at the same time taking actions that are
detrimental to the Jewish present and totally dangerous to the Jewish
future. Mordechai and Esther are a little too Jewish for them: too brash,
too stubborn, too clannish and unnecessarily provocative. Mordechai and Esther
in their time did not receive universal approbation. It is only history, in its
unfolding of events, that has validated their heroism. We cannot expect that
people who aspire to be Mordechai and Esther in our time should be universally
accepted, loved, admired…. and followed.
This is a reality of Jewish and human life that must
be accepted and factored into the general pursuit of that which is good and
noble. Hidden miracles do abound in our world, for us at any rate. Anyone who
has the good fortune of living in the Land of Israel today instinctively
realizes this on a daily basis. Let us strengthen ourselves and be determined
and strong as our current Purim story unfolds around us.
Purim same'ach, Rabbi Berel Wein
