KAVANAH (Intention)
Adar | Purim

Purim is a celebration of the human potential for transformation. It is a holiday that recognizes a people's ability to overturn despair and put joy in its place, to move from mourning to feasting.

On Purim we celebrate this transformation by reading the Megillat Esther, eating a festive meal, and giving gifts to our friends and to the poor.

The reading of the Megillah and the meal are moments of celebratory bliss: we cloak ourselves in brilliant disguises and masquerade through the synagogue. We drink ad d'lo yada – until we can no longer distinguish between Mordecai and Haman, thereby removing all distinctions, rejecting discernment. The objective of Purim is for each of us to have, even momentarily, the recognition that we are all at once both Mordecai and Haman – each of us has the potential for both greatness and wickedness.

The two acts of giving associated with Purim are called mishloach manot, gifts of sweet food to family members and friends, and matanot l'evyonim, gifts to the poor. We are instructed to give at least two gifts of edibles to at least two friends, as well as to at least two people in need. Remarkably, we learn regarding matanot l'evyonim that: "One is not exceedingly precautious with money on Purim. Rather, everyone who puts out a hand [in need], we are to give to that person" (O.H. 694:3). In other words, on Purim, we give to any and everyone who asks.

All of the customs associated with Purim – the drinking, the singing, the partying, and the gift giving – are, at their essence, about recognizing the innate ability of every person to transform him- or herself or situation, to move from sorrow to gladness.

This Purim may we celebrate the unlimited human potential innate to each of us.

Back to top