In my weekly Lunch and Learn class, we’ve taken a deep dive into the book of Esther as we approach Purim. This coming Shabbat we announce the new month, Adar Sheni (the second Adar), and as the themes and ideas of Purim get closer, I see them play out in our own lives in meaningful ways.
Two of the major themes that have emerged from this story are Jewish unity and using our power for good. When the Jews come together to pray and fast in an attempt to overturn the evil decree of Haman, all of the Jews collectively direct their energy to this cause. While I’m sure in the ancient days of Shushan there were various factions among the Jews, just like there are now, those were put to the side for the sake of this greater cause - in this case, their survival. And as we know, the Jews prevailed, and Esther was able to save the day. It's a part of the megillah the teaches how incredible and powerful things can happen when we step out of our own zone and join with others to affect something larger.
This theme is developed even more and turned into two of the mitzvot we're asked to observe on Purim. We are asked to think about how our own survival, looked at through a lens of gratitude, influences us to help others. On Purim, we embody generosity, giving, and kindness through the acts of Mishloach Manot (food gifts to friends) and Matanot l’Evyonim (gifts to the poor). In fact, we learn that on Purim, one shouldn’t hold back at all in the giving of their tzedakah. On Purim we give freely to anyone who asks, in order to cultivate a sense of giving that we don’t always embody - one that we hope stays with us beyond Purim.
These two themes come together in important ways and offer us a valuable reminder about the power of our Jewish community when we unify for good and give to others. The Purim spirit isn't just about dressing up in costume and shaking the grogger and eating hamentaschen, it also wants us to embody generosity on a mass scale. How much more of a positive influence can we have if we give together? How much more of an impact can our chesed create if we join with others? How can we spread our happiness and joy to others?
The rabbis of the different synagogues in Memphis have come together to try and accomplish just this. In the spirit of Purim, we'll be making sandwiches for the homeless - together, as one Jewish community. Our goal is to make 5,000 sandwiches on Wednesday, March 6th, from 6-7PM at Baron Hirsch. We so often only stay within the walls of our own synagogues, and gearing up for Purim is the perfect time to break down some of those walls. This is a low-commitment, high-impact way to be involved, perfect for folks of all ages. I hope you'll join us at this event (please RSVP at baronhirsch.org/pbj ).
As we enter Adar Sheni this coming week, let's embody generosity. Let's get into the Purim spirit. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Sarit
