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By Rabbi Ariel Platt
Riddle: How many hamantashen should one eat on Purim? Lots. (The Hebrew word Purim means “lots,” as in drawing lots).
The holiday of Purim begins tonight at sundown and ends at sundown tomorrow*.
Everything is topsy turvy on Purim day because Esther turned Haman’s evil plot to annihilate the Jews on its head. “V’Nahafoch hu“ – “And the situation was reversed (Esther 9:1).” It is a time when reality is turned upside down in the most joyful way through silly and fun celebrations, including parties, costumes, delicious hamantaschen, carnivals, community gathering and more.
Looking at the reality of our world right now everything can feel topsy turvy and unprecedented. When life feels unstable, and hard, it has been proven that setting small goals can improve one’s well-being. “V’Nahafoch hu,” reversing the situation in a joyful way.
Judaism helps us create order and meaning in a chaotic world. The 4 Mitzvot (Commandments) of Purim provide a framework to guide us in setting these small goals in traditional Judaism and in modern life. Or as Winnie the Pooh once said, “When life throws you a rainy day – play in the puddles.”
- Listen to Megillat Esther (Book of Esther). Traditionally people go to synagogue to hear the story of the brave Esther, to remember and learn from the lessons of her story, as well as to connect with the community around us. This mitzvah empowers us to listen to others’ stories, so we can remember that we can learn from and connect to the people around us. We are not alone.
- Mishloach Manot – Make special gifts of food, drinks, and toys for friends and family. Set a goal to create and bring gifts to the people in our lives that we care about. It is a great way to show gratitude and appreciation, which in turn leads to joy.
- Have a festive meal (seudah). – Eat, drink, and be merry! It is easy to get caught up in the fast pace of life, so it is important to remind ourselves that we need to spend time with friends and family. Set a goal to share a delicious meal with the people in our lives that bring us joy. Being with people that make our heart feel good will bring more balance to our lives.
- Matanot L’evyonim – Give to those in need. Helping others’ is a beautiful way to increase meaning in our lives, and improve the darkness in the world. Make a goal to set aside time to give to people in need. This could be by volunteering time, giving monetarily, or in any way that we are able to support. For example, every week as part of our Shabbat rituals, my family puts money in our tzedakah box (charitable donation box)that we will donate to an organization of our choice.
“V’Nahafoch hu,”let the 4 Mitzvot of Purim inspire us to reverse the situation and turn life on its head.
Chag Sameach! Happy Purim!
*If you live in a walled city like Jerusalem, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of Adar, which is Saturday, March 15th. This is known as Shushan Purim.
