Closing Message - Rav Ezra
Double Trouble
As Purim fast approaches -- I am finding myself thinking about all "doublings" which occur on Purim.
The Mitzvot are all doubled: We read the Megillah twice - once in the evening and once in the morning. There are two days of Purim -- the 14th of Adar, and Shushan Purim on the 15th day of Adar, as celebrated in historically walled cities. We give two foods to one person, and Tzedakah to two people. In Megillat Esther itself, there are a number of doublings: Two queens (Vashti & Esther), Esther invites Achashveirosh and Haman to two parties, and two head-advisors (Haman and then Mordechai) serve in the king's court.
What is the significance of these pairs? First is contrast: differences come into stark relief -- two *different* foods, two *different* queens, two *different* days to read the Megillah -- even as they share so much in common. Distinction brings order, meaning, and definition.
On the other hand, doubling is also a form of emphasis. Bayit member Rebecca Berger, shared with me a beautiful quote from Virginia Woolf which offers an additional insight on to the doubling of Purim.
"The past is beautiful because one never realises an emotion at the time. It expands later, & thus we don't have complete emotions about the present, only about the past."
Reading the Megillah twice -- going through so much of Purim in a "doubling" sort of way, gives us space and time to reflect on the meaning of the story and of the holiday. Through repetition and returning back to an event, a person, a Mitzvah, a story -- we have the opportunity to immerse ourself in that emotional experience which may have otherwise been fleeting. Perhaps, with doubling, comes reflection on the past (even if it was just last night), and we may tap into unknown feelings, see God's hidden presence, or even rediscover ourselves.
Purim Sameach!
Reminder to all to take good care of ourselves and each other. Try to do something specific today that strengthens you, and something else that strengthens someone else.
