Today is Purim, a day on which we celebrate our ability to overcome persecution and annihilation repeatedly. Some may wonder what is our secret. How have we grown stronger and stronger in the face of adversity?
The answer lies in this week's Torah portion Ki Sisa, and the holiday of Purim. The Torah tells us that after G-d gave the the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai, the Jewish people built a golden calf, thinking that Moses had abandoned them. Of course, Hashem was very disappointed with them, and Moshe argued they should be forgiven for they are a stiff-necked people. The commentary explains that Moses was illuding to our people's determination to stand true to our faith and tradition even when put under fire. This, of course, can be seen clearly in the story of Purim when many Jewish people completely abandoned their heritage and joined King Achashveirosh for a party of non-kosher food, promiscuity, and debauchery. Yet, when Haman conspired to kill us, everyone rallied together as one nation to support and defend each other. There was no daylight between observant or non-observant, learned or non-learned Jews. We were one people united by the soul we all share.
Our obstinance through history has often been used in one of two ways: a determination to blend into our surroundings and shed our Jewish identity in exchange for acceptance by the general public, or a determination to live Jewishly without compromise even in the face of tyranny. Today, we are once again being called to action in the face of the latest iteration of Jew-hatred in Israel and around the world. We are a stiff-necked people, but each of us must decide if we will use this characteristic to unite in strength or hibernate in fear. I know that ultimately, we will all feel the power of our soul inside of us and answer the call of our time to unite in light and defeat the darkness. Let's not wait a minute longer and use the unique energy of Purim to shine proudly and illuminate our world, bringing harmony, joy, light, and love to our world.
ngth of our routine, our disciplined approach to life, and the detailed structure of Jewish life.
Today, when the world tells us to rush and produce or be left behind in the dust, we say slow and steady wins the race. We know that as long as we maintain our faith, our way of life, and our respect for tradition, we will continue to illuminate the world as we've done for thousands of years. So don't be daunted by the early success of some; many have flashed for a moment, but fewer have remained shining. Stay the course, and you'll add your light to the great force for good in human history, the Jewish people.
Mission: Find the stubbornness in your character and channel it towards a fierce determination to live Jewishly, no matter what, no matter who, no matter when, and no matter where.