Jewish Unity

The Purim story is quite fascinating with all of its twists and turns. We see numerous “coincidences” that ended up saving the Jewish people.

We also see the idea of “turnabout,” where we see the principle figures, Haman and Mordechai, changing roles. Haman began in a great position of fame and prominence, and ended in the ultimate disgrace. Mordechai went from sackcloth and ashes to become the viceroy of the king.

The most significant message for Purim this year, is Jewish unity. Normally, the Megillah is read on different days, between walled cities like Jerusalem and the rest of the world. This year, the Megillah will be read by all Jews on the fourteenth of Adar, including the Jerusalemites. The fifteenth, or Shushan Purim. falls on Shabbat, so that the Megillah is read a day earlier.

In the Purim story, when Queen Esther realizes that she must risk her life and appear before the king, she gives specific instructions to her Uncle Mordechai.

She tells him, לך כנוס את היהודים, “Go and gather the Jewish people, and get them to fast on my behalf. And if I perish, I perish.”

She was emphasizing the fact that Jewish strength comes from Jewish unity. When we are united together and all turn to Hashem for guidance, no power on earth can ever harm us.

Mordechai and Esther succeeded in elevating and uniting the people. There was collective repentance and a reaffirmation of serving G-d. That which was accepted out of fear on Mount Sinai, was now accepted out of love.

This was why Purim was established as a special holiday of unity, where gifts were given to one another, and special attention was given to the poor.

May this Purim be one of special Jewish unity as we all read the Megillah on the same day. This unity should provide us with the strength to defeat all of our enemies, just as was done in the days of Mordechai and Esther.