A Modern Orthodox Jewish congregation of suburban Minneapolis, providing a welcoming environment for Jews of all observance levels.
Monday, February 22, Women Monthly Inspiration! "Take care of me to take care of we". Your new spring look and much more. Aish Center.
7:30 - 9:00 pm.
Sunday, February 28, 12 Noon - 3:00 pm. Purim with Aish at the Aish Center. Festive holiday buffet, arts and crafts and other activities.
Contact Sara to RSVP 952-929-2474 OR ssimpser@aish.com or visit www.aishmn.com for details.
I remember when I was young, lying in my bunk bed, asking G-d to show Himself by making a miracle. Nothing to big, I just wanted to float a couple of inches off my bed, that would have more than satisfied me. I mean, He is supposed to be All Powerful, so why not do this small miracle, and that would be that. To my disappointment, there was no hint of levitation. Not even a feeling of lightheadedness.
Purim was the first festival enacted by the Jewish people in Exile. Previously we've talked about how the Torah is the blueprint of reality. The obvious question is, if the Torah is the blueprint, what could be the necessity of an extra festival outside those previously outlined by the Torah? If the perfect prescription for our souls is laid out for us by Hashem in the five books of Moses, what's the point of Purim(and also Chanukah)?
Jeremy went to his yearly checkup at the doctor. So doc, how am I doing?
Your body is in great shape Jeremy, your heart is strong, your lungs are clear, cholesterol low. However, I'm going to need to prescribe you some antibiotics.
But I don't understand, I've been keeping to the diet and exercise routine you set for me, you said that would keep me healthy
Yes Jeremy, it did keep you healthy, however, it seems due to a change in environment, you've picked up an infection and we need to deal with it.
The Torah was the perfect exercise routine for the soul. However, the Jewish people picked up a illness that needed special treatment. What was that infection?
Ever since the Exodus from Egypt, Hashem had been dealing with the Jewish people in a more or less obvious/revealed manner. The miracles in Egypt were clear for all, as was the splitting of the sea, and the conquering of the land of Israel(remember the walls of Jericho). After the destruction of the Temple however, there was a change in the system. A change in the environment. The verse says And on that day, I will surely hide my Face from you. Exile is a time of darkness, a time of lack of clarity. Hashem's Hand is hidden from view.
The Jews became heartbroken. They needed to know that Hashem was still with them. After having such a close relationship for so long, suddenly it felt like Hashem had abandoned them. Was G-d still interested in them, was He still involved in their fate?
Purim was the answer, the cure. In the entire Megillah, Hashem's name is never mentioned. His Hand was completely hidden. Yet when one looks at the complete picture, you can't help but see the precision at which Hashem maneuvered events. From Esther's appointment as Queen, to Morderchai's saving the Kings life by happening to overhear a plot for his assassination, every step of the way was clearly mapped out.
Haman, who comes from the tribe of Amalek represents the idea of chance. Things happen by accident; there's no rhyme or reason behind anything. That was the idea behind drawing lots to determine the day of destruction. Things are purely random, there's no such thing as a destiny.
The antibiotics for the Jewish soul was to realise that Hashem was working behind the scenes. He hadn't abandoned us, he was merely hiding behind the curtain. It was a new way of interacting with Hashem.
The same is true for us today. Our lives aren't a series of random events. Purim tells us that Hashem is thoroughly involved in all of our lives. We sometimes need to look a little deeper to see his Hand at work. We wear masks on Purim to demonstrate this idea. Hashem is wearing a mask. We need to look beyond the superficial and see Him in our lives.
Good Shabbos
R' Da-vid Rosenthal