Purim
Some masks disguise us. Others disguise our guises. Joy happens when you come face-to-face with your true self.
It is the most intoxicating, miraculous and joyous of days. The story of Purim is dramatic, from a damsel in distress to a tailed queen; from a snake in a barrel to a roped gallows; from a seventy-language-speaking saint to a fork-tongued villain to a ridiculous king – and it’s all documented on a hand-written parchment scroll. Four Mitzvoth, righteous connections, are prescribed to ensure that the joy is tangible, not merely abstract. 1) Listen to the scroll, twice; 2) handout gifts to the needy; 3) deliver food packages to your fellow; 4) feast to a level beyond. On this costumed day, the proof is in the spirits. Download the Purim Guide for more.
Beyond the Moon
The Jewish holiday of Purim teaches us how the Jewish people compare to the moon; we have the capacity for change and renewal like the moon wanes and waxes.
Read More
Knowledge and Naught
Drinking until one does not know the difference between Haman and Mordechai on Purim is explored in conjunction with the concept of the tzaddik versus the baal teshuvah.
Read More
In Search of Eden
There are many angles to understand the war in Iraq. But the true war today is driven by the angst of man in search of Eden. This is an essay on the connection between redemption, the Persian gulf, and Purim.
Read More
A Feast and a Fast: The Fast of Esther
With their joy the Jews rejected their uniqueness as a nation under the special protection of G-d. To save the Jews Esther knew they had to reconnect to G-d
Read More
Cosmic Sleep
Achashveirosh’s sleepless night set in motion a series of events that led to Mordechai’s rise, Haman’s downfall, and the salvation of the people of Israel.
Read More
A Roll of Dice: The Purim Lots
Purim derives its name from the lots cast by Haman. It is not some incidental detail but the single event that most expresses what Purim represents.
Read More
A Singular People: Jewish Uniqueness
Purim celebrates the salvation of a singular people: Torah, the festivals, circumcision and tefillin are symbols of Jewish uniqueness.
Read More
