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TORAT MIZRACHI

Rabbi Danny Mirvis

Purim 2021

Redressing the Balance

he miraculous salvation of the prayer gatherings in person are the Purim story, when Mordechai learns
Purim story can be encapsulated worst possible response – a true case of plans to assassinate Achashverosh,
Tin one phrase from the Megil- of “VeNahafoch Hu.” reports it to Esther, “And Esther told
lah: “VeNahafoch Hu,” meaning, “And Baruch Hashem, as we celebrate Purim the king in the name of Mordechai”
it was turned upside-down” (Esther this year, we can do so with a sense of (Esther 2:22).
9:1). Every ingredient of Haman’s evil cautious optimism that the end of this While it is certainly praiseworthy to
plan was reversed in our favour, and pandemic is in sight. As communities accurately attribute quotes and ideas,
as a result, the emotional state of the safely rebuild and recover after this past how does this bring redemption to the
Jewish people swung “from agony to year, Esther’s declaration, “Go gather
joy, and from mourning to festivity” all the Jews”, is the call of the hour. We world?
(Esther 9:22). cannot take it for granted that every- I once saw HaMizrachi writer, David
At Purim time last year, we experienced body who attended shul or shul activ- Curwin, cite the Maharal, who explains
that only one who recognizes and
a global “VeNahafoch Hu” as so many ities will automatically return when appreciates what other humans have
elements of the world as we knew it were the conditions allow, and as Jewish
turned upside-down. Many individuals communities have done throughout done, will also acknowledge G-d’s mir-
acles. Since it is possible to ignore the
and families found their plans thrown the pandemic, we need to be creative miraculous nature of redemption, when
into disarray, and on a communal level, and proactive in reengaging with our
the things that usually make communi- audiences. one does recognize what G-d has done,
that recognition turns random histori-
ties so strong – popular events, gener- However, Esther’s call is not just about
ous hospitality, the thriving mixing of being physically in the same place at the cal events into “Geula.”
people of all ages on shul campuses, same time. It is about acknowledging We are living through major historical
overlaps and strong connections with the depth of what truly connects us, events. In order to unlock their redemp-
neighbouring communities – became recognising our joint fate, and acting tive potential, we need to commence
a source of vulnerability. together for the benefit of our common by appreciating what we receive from
At times of great threat and concern, destiny. others. With the qualities of grati-
our natural response is to come together Small acts can go a very long way in tude and humility, we can truly heed
Esther’s call to bring all Jews together,
in prayer and fasting, echoing Esther’s redeeming our world. This is reflected
call, “Go gather all the Jews who are in the teaching in Pirkei Avot, “Who- and together turn the world in the right
in Shushan and they shall fast for me, ever says something in the name of the direction.
neither eat nor drink for three days…” person who said it, brings redemption
(Esther 4:16). However, where there is to the world” (Avot 6:3). This teaching Rabbi Danny Mirvis is the Senior Rabbi of
a risk of transmitting the virus, mass is learnt from a key turning point in the Mizrachi Melbourne.

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