The Brisbane Synagogue

In response to an email which was sent out a couple of days ago reminding people about Purim and the various celebrations taking place around our community, we received the following response from one of our Israeli readers. “Dear Rabbi, I feel that this year we cannot celebrate Purim as always”.

With the above question in mind, this Shabbat we will read the second of the special portions of the Torah, in the lead-up to Pesach – Passover namely, Parshot Zachor, in which we remember the nation of Amalek, which were the first nation to attack the Jewish people, as they made their exodus from Egypt and cooled down their enthusiasm, as they journeyed towards the receiving of the Torah on Mt Sinai. On a spiritual level, this represents the battle to maintain our enthusiasm and optimism, in the face of doubt and adversity, which often requires of us to dig deep inside of ourselves to discover the resources we need to live up to the various challenges we confront us in life, from within and from without.

In response to the valid question posed above by our Israeli friend yes, these are certainly challenging times for Israel and the Jewish people however, and this is certainly a difficult time for us to be celebrating the joyous festival of Purim however, it is specifically during such times that we need to dig deeper to discover the inner spark and unique relationship we have with our Yiddishkeit – Judaism, and the more joy and confidence we are able to instill within ourselves and each other, the more we will witness blessings in our lives and, with the help of Hashem, the fulfilment of the age-old Jewish saying, ‘Simcha Poretz Geder’ – ‘Joy breaks limitations’, with the safe and miraculous speedy return of the remaining hostages, along with enduring peace in Israel and throughout the world.

Shabbat Shalom and Purim Sameach – happy Purim!

Among the laws of Purim, which commences next Motzei Shabbat (Saturday night), is the following obscure statement “Someone who reads the Megillah (story of Purim) backwards, has not fulfilled their obligation”. Why would anyone be inclined to read the Megillah backwards? According to the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement, the deeper meaning of this statement is, that one should not read the story as if it only happened in the past (backwards), rather we have an obligation to apply the story of Purim and its lessons in all times and places.

The Purim story is one of a great threat that loomed over the entire Jewish nation yet, through what appeared to be a series of natural events, together with an increased commitment and strengthening of faith by the Jews of the time, the entire situation was turned upside down and, rather than the Jewish people being annihilated or even harmed, they were saved and elevated to an even higher position than before and, as a result, we end up with the most joyous festival in the Jewish calendar, Purim. Although no mention of the name of Hashem appears throughout the entire story, behind the scenes He is pulling all the strings, which is one of the reasons for the custom to dress up on Purim, whereby we conceal our true identity.

Sometimes, on a personal or communal level we struggle to identify the hand of Hashem in our lives and world events and, and the Purim story reminds us to be aware that behind the scenes Hashem is always there and, through our strengthened commitment and faith, we too will experience the transformation of our challenges into revealed blessings and salvation.

In recent weeks, we have experienced a tangible increase in commitment to Jewish life among many of our members and friends, some of whom have purchased new Tefillin, and have commenced putting them on daily, others have purchased new Mezuzot, started to keep Kosher, and light Shabbat candles, among other positive Jewish changes to their lives. Since the tragic events of Simchat Torah, we have witnessed an unparalleled arousal of religious fervor, throughout the worldwide Jewish community, especially in Israel. Kol Hakavod and may these additional Mitzvot be a source of great blessing to them, their families and all of Klal Yisrael – the Jewish Nation.

This Shabbat we conclude the second book of the Torah, Shemot – Exodus, with the declaration ‘Chazak Chazak Venitchazek’ – ‘Be strong, be strong, let’s be strong’

With heartfelt prayers for the release of the remaining hostages and enduring peace in Israel and throughout the world!

Being that Purim will be celebrated next Sunday, Taanit Esther – the fast of Esther is brought forward to this coming Thursday.

Shabbat Shalom and well over the fast,