Lead Tidbit
Plenty of Purim Points to Ponder
Picture this: a child carelessly runs into the street and is hit by a car. His injuries are very serious, life-threatening, actually. After several operations and many months in the hospital with all kinds of treatment and therapy, the child, B"H is fully recovered. During the many months, there was an outpouring of support from family and friends, but especially a cousin, an aunt, and a friend were so helpful and supportive, that they earned a special place in the family's affection for all times. Following the child's recovery, three things happen: A joyous celebration of the recovery and of the Chasdei HaShem they saw so many times. A separate celebration of the three people to whom they will be especially grateful for many years to come. And, at some appropriate point, a serious talk with the child about the carelessness that put him into such danger in the first place.

Purim is primarily the celebration of light and joy into which the people of Israel emerges after facing the terrible threat of Haman and his ilk who were bent on our destruction. This we celebrate with Megila reading, with a festive seuda, with exchange of gifts among friends, and an outpouring of concern and help for the less fortunate.

We also are thrilled with some extra aspects of the Purim story that stay with us throughout our lives. A commitment was made to Torah and Mitzvot that "completed" our process of Kabalat HaTorah. We witnessed G-d working behind the scenes of nature and history. He is involved in this world even when it isn't obvious to all.

This demonstration of G-d's Hand in the world is sometimes more powerful than a flashy open miracle. This realization is cause for a different kind of celebration, almost independent of the events of Purim.

And then there is the down side of the experience. The carelessness or fool- hardiness of the child who had the accident, and in the case of Klal Yisrael - the nagging question of the story: What did the Jews of Achashveirosh's kingdom do or not do to deserve the threat of annihilation at the hands of Haman? This is a separate issue from analyzing Amalek and its wickedness. It is not a matter of taking the blame to ourselves when it is Haman who is the warped, wicked one. But we do recognize that no enemy can harm us or even frighten us, if we stay faithful to G-d. Therefore, in every episode in Jewish History, there are two issues to ponder - our enemy and ourselves.

Back to the analogy: Let's say that the accident occurred because the driver of the car was speeding and DUI. He was definitely at fault. But the child also has to face the fact that he was careless and ran into the street without looking both ways.

Commentaries tell us that the Jews of Shushan (of the whole kingdom?) for- gopt that they were in Galut. The went to the partes and had a good time. Even though Achashveirosh was arrogantly flaunting the plunder of the Beit HaMikdash that he had stolen from Vashti's family. Even though he was mocking the G-d of Israel. And we were having a good time. Not something to dwell upon on Purim day itself, perhaps, but we have to face that side of the events at some time. And that time might be Erev Purim, Taanit Esther. Let's not spoil the celebrations, but let's not forget to learn lessons of Jewish History and spare ourselves their repetition... or worse.