These two anti-Semites walk into a palace

 Two anti-Semites were discussing how to wipe out the Jews and get away with it.  The Talmud fills in the narrative that the Megillah relates more briefly. Achashverosh hated the Jews as much as Haman, but he was scared of Haman’s plan.  He knew that Hashem loves the Jews and protects them, and he knew the bitter end that Pharaoh in Egypt and Nevuchadnezzar of Babylon suffered as punishment for their wicked oppression of the Jews.  So when Haman came to Achashverosh and told him about his diabolical plan, the king, who really liked the idea, raised some objections.  Haman worked on convincing him by telling him the Jews had stopped observing the Mitzvot and therefore had lost Hashem’s protection.  The conversation went on, with Achashverosh raising several points and Haman countering them.  The king agrees, and gives Haman his signet ring to follow through with his plan. 

 

One of Haman’s statements is that the Jews are “mefuzar umeforad bein ha’amim” – scattered and separate among all the peoples.  The Talmud explains that Achashverosh was concerned that killing the Jews would leave a large uninhabited area.  To which Haman responded that they are all spread out. 

 

There is also a mystical explanation to Haman’s words.  Haman knew that Hashem loves it when we are united and showing love for one another.  It was due to strife that the Temple was destroyed.  Haman is telling the king not to worry, the Jews are “scattered and separate,” not united, so they will not have Hashem’s protection.  Mordechai’s response was to unite the people, to have them stand as one in their commitment to Hashem.  Indeed that is what happened.  Unlike Hitler, Haman was not interested in Jewish biology.  He only wanted to destroy those who accept Hashem and deny the idolatrous Persian culture.  That is why the Megillah refers to the Jews as “Yehudim” – which means those who accept Hashem.  Not a single Jew gave up his or her faith in Hashem.  In fact, in the face of life-threatening danger, they intensified their Torah study and observance, and our Sages teach that it was this self-sacrifice that brought about the great Purim miracle.

 

The happiest Holiday of the year was established to commemorate the great salvation.  It is very appropriate that the four special Mitzvah observances of Purim all promote unity.  We hear the reading of the Megillah in the original Hebrew from the scroll.  While this Mitzvah can be observed privately, our Sages taught that we should try to hear the Megillah with as large a crowd as possible.  (Halacha does not accept electronic transmission as real hearing of the Megillah.)  The feast that we are obligated to observe in the afternoon or early evening of Purim (this year it is Thursday) is also a way to get together with family and friends to celebrate together. 

 

The other two Mitzvot of the day certainly promote unity.  There is the obligation to give gifts to the poor, usually in the form of money, to at least two poor people.  The fourth Mitzvah, mishloach manot, giving gifts of food to friends, certainly promotes friendship and camaraderie.  I encourage you to reach out especially to those who may not be aware of these Mitzvot or who may not have an opportunity to observe them and draw them in.  Give them a food package, invite them to the feast (at your home or at Chabad Thursday at 5), tell them about a Megillah reading, and encourage them to give Tzedakah to the poor.

At this time, we have seen a tremendous outpouring of Jewish unity in Ukraine, the surrounding countries and the entire world.  It is amazing to see the heroism of the Chabad emissaries and so many others who put themselves in danger to protect others, and the support that has come in from all over the world.  Let’s use this Purim day to celebrate this great nation that is still here despite the Hamans of the world, and that still stands as one when we are in distress.

 

In addition to the many Tzedakah opportunities to help the Jews of Ukraine (www.chabad.org/ukraine), I have a local Purim fund to help needy individuals every year.  If you would like to contribute to that fund, please go to chabadpaloalto.com/purimfunds.  100% of the money goes to directly assist needy people.

 

I wish you a joyous and happy Purim.  If there is any way we can help you better observe the Holiday, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I invite you to our Megillah readings and Royall Purim Feast.  See details here.  Happy Purim!