Feature Tidbit The Serious Side of Purim Purim was not built like Pesach. Then we are commanded to see ourselves as if we we slaves in Egypt and we were part of the multitude that was taken out of "the house of bondage". On Pesach, sybols of the bitter life in Egypt share the Seder table with signs of freedom. Where is this on Purim? The Megila, of course tellsthe story, including the "before" as well as the "after". But Haman's threat is not relived, is not discussed, does not scare us, because we know what happened. Even when the Megila reader switches to the Eicha-melody, it is without the bitterness of lamentations; it is nor of a parody. Purim is a totally joyous celebration. There is no place for focusing on the sins of the generation that "allowed" a Haman to arise and hold such a black sword over our heads. There is no time built in to Purim to dwell on the Amalek angle of Haman. So whatabout the serious side of Purim? The answer is Shabbat Zachor and Taanit Esther. These are days that are part of Purim. And these days are for the serious side of Purim. Haman's descent from Amalek is joyfully mentioned on Purim because he and his sons were hanged. Mordechai and Esther successfully carried on with the mitzva to destroy the remnant of Amalek.But on the Shabbat before, we read the special maftir of Zachor and we can and should reflect on the significance of the perennial battles against Amalek. We should discuss the Amalek persona which continues to plague us throughout Jewish History. And on Taanit Esther, with its Slichot and Torah reading, we can take theopportunity to put another serious aspect of Purim into perspective. Fast Days remind us of the need for repentance and atonement. [The T'tzaveh Homepage] |
