Thursday, March 20, 2008

GRATEFULNESS FOR PURIM POTPOURRI

Tomorrow is Purim. It is a time of levity, merrymaking , a time to throw caution to the winds. Arguably, the holiday doesn't fit in well with the historical experience of the Jewish people-one of persecution and exile, or their psychology, which until this contemporary generation , has been dominated by feelings of sadness and national sorrow.
Nevertheless, somehow we have succeeded in discovering a place in our imaginations to allow for a brief moment of celebration during a brief moment of respite.We are grateful for these passing moments of release from the struggles and hardships of on-going living, and we are summoned to plunge into these transitory times with the fullest of grateful gusto.It may be difficult to make the switch; to go from a mood of seriousness and solemnity to one of carefree celebration requires a psychological resilience that is not always readily available. Our Rabbis remind us not to take our worries with us everywhere we go-"Daya tzara beshaatah"- it is more than enough to experience pain when it occurs in its own time!
Purim is also a time of make-believe, especially for children, and for grown ups with a child-like soul
Our nursery school is open to children of all ethnic groups. I stepped into the activity room for a Purim party and was greeted by an array of Korean children dressed in sparkling gowns of a princess or queen. This sight led me to ask one Korean child: "Are you Queen Esther?"
She gazed at me with her big ,black eyes, and with unabashed innocence replied: " No, I'm Snow White!"
Today has been a day of serendipity. I received a phone call from the daughter of a congregant and friend of a previous congregation. She is the proud and grateful mother of a lovely three year old girl whose Hebrew name is Esther, and whose grandmother's name is also Esther. Naturally, she was encouraged to dress up as Queen Esther for Purim . She adamantly refused. When asked what she would like to be on Purim little Esther answered decidedly -"Haman!" " The villain? After all , your name is Esther: grandma's name is Esther! Why not Esther?"
"Because after Haman died, the Jewish people were happy and had a big party."For this little Esther , Haman the villain represented victory and joy.
As I begin my spiritual preparations for Purim I cannot help but feel grateful for the moment of respite in our Jewish lives and for the indescribable joy of God's gift of children to the world.
Happy Purim.

No comments: