As part of the joy of Purim, some people dress up. Children and adults alike dress up as various characters, some amusing and some frightening. But everyone accepts it in good spirits, because it's just a costume.
And maybe we dress up all year round, not just on Purim? Does the appearance we present to the outside reflect our true essence? Are our behaviors and the statements that come out of our mouths an expression of our inner truth, or are they also external masks?
Maybe if we remove them we'll discover that behind them are completely different people.
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Many times we have seen in moments of truth how all the 'disguises' fell off at once. Wonderful qualities were suddenly revealed. People who seemed cynical and selfish were revealed to have rare kindness and boundless generosity. Because in that moment of truth they threw off their 'disguises' and revealed who they really were.
Suddenly the people came together
Before Haman's edict was announced, it seemed that the Jewish people were divided and divided. Some called for going to Ahasuerus' banquet, and some were vehemently opposed. Some advocated integration into the cultural life of the Persian and Median kingdoms, and some saw this as a threat to the existence of Judaism. This is also what Haman says to King Ahasuerus: "There is one people scattered and divided.".
But when the decree was announced, the people came together. Suddenly, all the divisions and divisions disappeared. Everyone gathered, fasted and prayed, with strong faith in the Creator of the world, the Protector of Israel.
At that moment, it became clear that the appearance of separation was nothing more than a disguise, while deep down we were all united and cohesive.
This union quickly led to the revocation of the decree of annihilation and to a complete reversal – "and on the contrary, the Jews will rule over their haters." Because the moment Jews stop playing with disguises, God, the Almighty, also stops hiding His face in 'masks', and He reveals His great hand.
To preserve this unity, the Sages included elements of unity and love for Israel in the Purim commandments. We send gifts to one another and make the poor happy. This is a triumphant response to Haman's claim. We remember and demonstrate that we are not a "divided" people, God forbid, but a united and united people.
Purim all year round
No one desires that God, the Almighty, will force us to remove our 'disguises' and 'masks' through decrees and hardships, God forbid. We all want and hope that we will reveal our inner truth willingly, joyfully, and on our own initiative.
Purim reminds us of the need to remove the 'disguises.' In our inner essence, there is no right or left, no 'religious' or 'secular', no Ashkenazim or Sephardim. There are only warm and good Jews, who believe in one God and are connected to one Torah.
Although the popular proverb states that 'not every day is Purim,' we must carry this message with us all year round, not just on Purim.
Ultimately, beyond all differences and disagreements, we are all one people. Sometimes all sorts of 'disguises' emerge, but these are nothing more than masks and external appearances. Deep within the hearts of all of us lies a pure and virtuous Jewish soul. Let it express itself!
