RABBI EZRA MAX
LIFE CAN AND WILL BE STRESSFUL AT TIMES. EVEN WHEN FACING INSURMOUNTABLE ODDS, THE LESSONS OF PURIM PROVE THAT G-D IS ON YOUR SIDE. THERE ARE HIDDEN MIRACLES, THE INNER WORKINGS OF THE WORLD, AND HOW THE STORY UNFOLDS IS BEING ORCHESTRATED BY THE ALMIGHTY.
One of the reasons people dress up on Purim, in costume and wear masks, is to acknowledge and highlight the significance of seemingly mysterious events taking place in plain sight. What appears to be an inevitable reality may end differently than anticipated; in the Purim story, what seemed to be a disastrous reality was overturned and became a celebration.
The story of Esther is about a powerful king who had an advisor named Haman who wanted to eradicate and annihilate the Jews from the world. A law was passed instructing people everywhere throughout the far-flung Kingdom to kill any Jew they could find, men, women and children. There was seemingly no hope, only disaster. A series of miraculous, heavenly, ordained events lead to Esther becoming the queen. She overturned the decree and eliminated the wicked Haman, who was then hanged. The Jews celebrate this victory by recommitting and rededicating themselves to loving, learning, and living a Torah based lifestyle.
The Purim story we read in the megillah is not only a historical event; it is an ongoing story and a lesson that we relive and learn year after year.
Currently there is disarray in the world order. There are stressors and fractures in societies and countries. The social, economic, spiritual, mental, and emotional challenges have created upheaval in the world and have become the new normal.
Lesson of Purim: When life looks and feels terrible with no obvious path forward, and you’re feeling hopeless, pray and maintain your faith within the struggle. Know that the Almighty has a plan and is looking out for you.
THE 4 MITZVOT OF PURIM DAY:
• Read Megillat Esther.
• Matanot L’evyonim – Give charity to the needy.
• Mishte V’simcha – Have a Purim feast with meat
and wine.
• Send Mishloach Manot − Gifts of food to friends.
The Talmud says, “To be Marbe Reyut,” increase friendship. We send food gifts to our friends to promote peace and harmony. Purim is a super spiritual day that we celebrate in a very human way. We eat, drink, and rejoice together. When people are getting along and appreciate the miracles of existence, the Almighty is happy.
The halacha is “Kol haposhet yad, notnim lo” whomever sticks out their hand in request you provide something for them without question.
The rabbis teach us that this same rule applies in the heavenly spheres. If you “reach out your hand” in a request for Divine assistance, your request, or prayer, will be answered and you will be “given something.”
Another reason for wearing masks on Purim is because people might be embarrassed asking for money or support. Since the Purim rule is that everyone who sticks out their hand is rewarded, everyone who asks you for a donation will be given something. People wear masks and costumes to hide their identity, enabling anyone to ask for assistance without being ashamed or afraid of ruining their reputations.
We take prosperity for granted. We live in a country with safety and security and significant material success. This is beyond nature; it is a miracle to be appreciated. A good practice is sharing your abundance and being a gracious giver to those in need.
Success is a gift and not a guarantee. The obligation is to make histadlut – minimum viable effort, creating a vessel for G-d’s blessing. There are many obstacles, the odds are stacked against you, many people strive and do not succeed. Realize that your successes are a gift and not generated by the strength of your hand.
Every little bit of effort goes a long way: pray, put your hand out, send someone a food gift basket, feast with friends. This will upgrade your relationship with your community and the Almighty.
BUSINESS LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM PURIM:
• Always be giving.
• Pray and ask for what you want.
• Be joyous. Celebrate the process and the wins.
• Remember, relationships and community are superpowers.
• Have a plan and execute but let go and let G-d.
• When things look bad and seem hopeless, remember the Almighty loves you and can be relied upon to provide.
Purim inspires faith and restores our souls from hopelessness. Affirming that joy and prosperity deepens humanity’s connection with the Almighty.
Simchat Purim
Rabbi Ezra Max, PCC, MHMP, Xchange Guide & Creator of “The Max Method” assists businesses and professionals deal with stress and achieve success. Rabbi Max has witnessed 20 years of results helping executives, parents and teens overcome struggles, improve communication and thrive. He lives in New York with his wife and five children.
