Four mitzvot – four lessons

My youngest son has been asking every day for the past few weeks, “Dad, when is Purim?” I know he isn’t the only one excited about this most wonderful and joyous holiday.

There is no doubt that Purim brings joy and smiles to all who celebrate it. Purim beautifully conveys the theme that no matter how hopeless a situation appears, there will always be hope. The good will always triumph no matter how powerful “evil” appears.

What an important message to remember today. Observing current world events, we can see how people are driven by hatred and cruelty. We can also see how those who are driven by power and greed are harming and hurting innocent people.

They will not triumph. As with the evil that has come before them, they will be merely a page in history. The pages of these books  will eventually collect dust and remain buried on a shelf at the back of the physical libraries that remain.

However, despite the eventual downfall of those who harm the world, these times are certainly associated with fear, stress and helplessness. Fortunately, the Purim story and message shine a light of hope and optimism on us all.

Additionally, the four unique mitzvot of Purim also instil a message of courage and positivity, guiding us to live more meaningful, spiritual, and peaceful lives. Based on each of the mitzvot, I’d like to share four ideas that provide us with inspiration.

Hearing the Megillah being read is the first mitzvah. On Purim, we do this both at night and during the day. The story of Megillah teaches us that we should always treasure and safeguard our heritage, just as our ancestors’ stories serve as a guide for us.

The Torah and all that it encompasses are our greatest possession and if we hold onto them, they will give us life. Purim, in particular, teaches us that we often do not and cannot see the big picture.

There is no way to imagine the enormous trepidation and fear that the Jewish people felt during the actual time of the Purim story. At that point, it would have been difficult to believe that salvation would come and to see light at the end of the tunnel. As we hear the Megillah, let us be reassured that even though it may not appear to be so now, we will also experience peace, harmony and blessing.

Secondly we are instructed to give our friends mishloach manot, gifts of food. This act of giving shows that friendship should never be taken for granted. The Purim holiday shifts the focus away from “what is in it for me” and towards “what can I do to help someone else”.

A related teaching from Pirkei Avot (1:6) tells us: “Knei lecha chaver – acquire for yourself a friend”. At first glance this instruction may seem strange, but the Talmud was essentially teaching us that true friendship is based on helping and being there for others. “Friendship” needs a significant rethink if what you gain from it is all that matters.

Next is the mitzvah of matanot le-evyonim, reaching beyond our friends to help the poor and less fortunate. Being sensitive and conscious that there are others who need our assistance is perhaps the most essential of all four mitzvot. Unfortunately, today, there are numerous people who require assistance, care and support. Each of us must do all we can within our means to help those in need. Every contribution, no matter how large or small, can make a big difference!

Last but not least a Purim seudah/feast should be held during Purim day. It is normally held towards evening, after fulfilment of the other mitzvot.

This mitzvah inspires us to always look for the joy in life. Find reasons to celebrate. Cherish the time we spend with our loved ones. Life is something to be celebrated. It is easy to get caught up in the many distractions around us and forget to enjoy the beautiful moments that life brings. Take a moment to be grateful for your blessings at the seudah this year.

Yes, Purim is a fun and enjoyable holiday that we love to celebrate! Yet it is much more than that, it is a blueprint for life, a manual to help us make the world a better place!

Daniel Rabin is senior rabbi, Caulfield Hebrew Congregation and immediate past president, Rabbinical Council of Victoria.