22 Mar Purim: Beyond the Costume
We are so excited to be celebrating Purim this Sunday and we are looking forward to seeing you at our Yavneh carnival!
Purim is the day we celebrate victory over oppression, when ‘they tried to destroy us, we survived, let’s eat!’ This year, and not ‘depending on the context’, I’m feeling a bit like this ancient story of Haman’s desire to destroy the Jewish people is a bit too close to home. The Jewish world has been rocked by a tsunami of Antisemitism. From violent rallies in the streets to the barricading of Jewish students in the libraries of elite universities, it seems that nowhere is safe. Across the world and around our own country, the voices of those that would have us and our State abolished ring loudly in our ears, causing genuine heartache and fear. Part of our role here at Yavneh is to guide our young people through this challenging time, providing ways to cope and have hope. Fortunately, the richness of the way we celebrate Purim, through the mitzvot and minhagim provide comfort and guidance. Our contemporary response to this visceral hatred and assault on our Jewishness can be informed by our historical response in the time of Haman and Achashveirosh. Just as our ancestors faced hatred and endured, so will we. The mitzvot of Purim are our guide to not just surviving, but thriving and growing as we weather this storm.
The first mitzvah is that of Mishloach Manot – reaching out to our friends and community with goodies and love. At times when our friends outside the Jewish community are few and far between, we must strengthen the communal bonds within our community and reinforce the values and actions that underpin Jewish solidarity. And in doing so, we live the words of RJ Palacio in Wonder, “It’s not enough to be friendly, you have to be a friend!” A friend who reaches out with a cookie and a smile and asks after your well-being. These parcels of food symbolise the entangled mesh of connection between the individuals and the generations who make up our community. While the world turns its back on us, we turn to face one another in support, solidarity and friendship.
The second mitzvah is that of Matanot Le-Evyonim – giving money to the poor so they too can celebrate the fun of Purim. The strength of a community is measured by how it cares for its most vulnerable. In times of grief and in times of joy it is essential that we reach out to and look after those who have fallen on hard times and those who seek the comfort of belonging. As we make merry and feast, our joy is magnified by sharing our joy with those who are isolated or less fortunate. In this way we ensure that all of our community, each and every one, feels and is a part of a larger Jewish family and joins in the simcha of our people.
The third mitzvah is that of Mishteh – a meal shared with family. The centre of the Jewish community is the Jewish home. In the whirlwind of modern working life, the institution of Shabbat is a once-a-week guarantee for a family to break bread together and catch up on the happenings and learnings of the past week. With our children consuming information on social media that is both shocking and distressing, what they need most is time to filter and debrief with parents, grandparents and siblings. Being in the safety of family provides an essential balm. In the joyful madness of Purim, we must find time to sit with our families; to talk and sing and provide guidance and support to young people so they are equipped to face challenges and feel positive about the future.
The final mitzvah is to hear the Megillah, the story of Purim. To get through these trying times we need to hear and know our story. This mitzvah is done twice, once at night and once during the day. Hearing the stories of who we are, where we come from and how we have endured provides the fortitude needed to stand strong, rooted to the ground as the tidal wave of antisemitism approaches. This strength means the wave will wash over us, not toppling our people but reminding us of our courage and tenacity. It is incumbent on us to know and share our narrative; we need to ensure that the messages of our history, from the first Jew of Avraham to the heroic stories of the modern State of Israel, continue to be passed on through the generations. Our history is deep, rich and rooted in the Land of Israel. Ours is a story of resilience and significance. It is compelling, enriching and hopeful.
As it does every year, Purim provides the antidote to attacks on our people. This year, celebrating this chag is more important than ever. We need to strengthen community through friendship and empowering those in need, double down on family time and be proud, knowledgeable, practicing, inspired and inspiring Jews.
Through this formula, of Mishloach Manot, Matanot Le Evyonim, Mishteh and Megillah we can transform
מֵאֲפֵלָה לְאוֹרָה, וּמִשִּׁעְבּוּד לִגְאֻלָּה, הַשְׁתָּא בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב
from darkness to light, and from oppression to redemption, speedily and soon.
Looking forward to seeing the Yavneh family, and the Giant Steps family on Sunday where we will do all four of these important mitzvot together.
Purim Sameach
Morah Shula
Principal