Jewish destiny encapsulated by Purim

Purim isn’t simply a quaint fairytale we learn about in nursery school. The events of Purim teach us the fundamentals of Judaism.

In the year 425 BCE, Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Solomon’s Temple and exiled a large portion of the Jewish people from the land of Israel to Babylonia. The Persian king, Achashverosh, soon became the ruler of this vast empire of 127 states.

In the year 356 BCE, Haman, the most powerful person in the kingdom besides the king, plotted to commit genocide and wipe out the Jewish people. In an incredible turn of events, with the active involvement of Queen Esther and her uncle, Mordechai, the Jews were saved and Haman was defeated.

This episode captures the story of the Jewish people. From the moment the Jewish nation stood at Mount Sinai in the year 1312 BCE, 3 337 years ago, when it deliberately entered an eternal covenant with G-d, its destiny was clearly laid out.

The rules of engagement are repeated many times throughout the Torah and especially in the book of Devarim as Moshe prepared the Jewish people to enter the land of Israel.

When the Jewish people step into the loving embrace of Hashem’s Torah, growing in the service of Hashem, endeavouring to observe the commandments, and becoming ambassadors of G-d in this world, the people of Israel are blessed by G-d with peace, prosperity, and success.

However, if the Jewish people turn away from G-d, we lose our divine protection, with catastrophic results. This story has been consistently repeated throughout our turbulent history.

Our sages teach that at the time of Purim, there was a disconnection between the Jewish people and G-d when they participated with enthusiasm in the banquet hosted by Achashverosh. It was a celebration of 70 years since the destruction of the temple without it being rebuilt. This seemed to contradict the famous prophecy of Jeremiah (25:11, 29:10). From that point, Haman was able to carry out his nefarious plans of genocide.

The turnaround came when Esther and Mordechai instructed the people to fast and pray for three days. This occurred together with Esther’s private banquets and her impassioned plea to the king. These efforts resulted in a cosmic reconnection of the Jewish people with Hashem.

Purim teaches that the destiny of our people is in our own hands. We cannot escape our covenant with G-d. It will always be a part of us. It is our privilege and responsibility.

The ball is in our court. Redemption is in the hands of individual determination. When the Jewish people embrace the covenant of our divine mission, there will be peace in the house of Israel and safety and success for the Jewish people. May we merit to see this speedily in our days!