Purim and the Inner You

Purim is a time to celebrate and get in touch with the “inner you”. By making fun of the facades we hide behind, we can truly learn who we are. In contrast to the explicit miracles of the holidays of Passover, Chanukah and other Jewish holidays, the miracle of the holiday of Purim was disguised in natural events. Here is a sampling of the story: The king wanted his wife to come to a party; she did not want to, and she was killed. Then an evil man(Haman) wanted the Jews dead and plotted to accomplish this with the approval of the king. The king remarried, and his new queen happened to be Jewish, and arranged for the decree to be countered. Only after the fact, when one looks at the full story, does one realize the great miracle that transpired.The custom of wearing costumes on Purim is an allusion to the nature of the Purim miracle, where the details of the story are really miracles hidden within natural events get in touch with our inner self.

Purim has four main Mitzvot (Good deeds):

1.The Reading of the Megillah (Mikra Megillah)
2.The Festive Purim Meal (Seudat Purim)
3.Sending Gifts (Mishloach Manot)
4. Gifts to the poor (Matanot l’Evyonim)

Purim is that one Jewish holiday where you can get creative and go all out. From becoming a human packman, mitzvah man, or a suave Marvel superhero almost anything goes.

While dressing up and doing good deeds are central tenants to the holiday there is an opportunity for unique introspection. Through a deep dive into oneself individuals  can emerge stronger and help make this world a better place.