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Dear CAI Family,
With the arrival of Spring and the festive holiday of Purim, this season is typically marked by optimism, hope, and fun. Our rabbis famously declared, “when the month of Adar enters, our joy increases.”1 We plan our Purim costumes, give care packages to friends, and drink in the spirit of the season in a carnival atmosphere. But like many of you, I’m not feeling particularly festive this year. I’m going through the motions — baking the hamantaschen, singing the holiday songs, and planning my costume (it’s top secret, so you’ll have to come Purim evening for the big reveal). But it feels more forced than usual. How do we access joy in a time of war, fear, and grief? How should our observance of Purim reflect the current climate of pain and anxiety in the Jewish world?
Joy in Judaism is not the same as feeling happy or experiencing pleasure. Joy is a deeper connection to some greater meaning of purpose. We talk about “simhah shel mitzvah — the joy of performing a mitzvah” or “simhat Torah — the joy of Torah.” Joy is not found in material possession or diversion. Instead, it’s found when we transcend the self and give to others. It’s more akin to a “helper’s high.” In that sense, joy is accessible even (and perhaps especially) in times of great stress and crisis. Here are a few ways I think we might find joy this year.
First, keep showing up — not only for vigils and rallies, but also for holidays and regular rhythms of Jewish life. Wouldn’t it be an incredible statement of pride and defiance if every synagogue was filled this Purim (and every Shabbat) with Jews joyfully living our lives — laughing and sharing in the blessings of community? The best response to antisemitism is always to lean into more Jewish life and celebration.
Next, we can find meaning and purpose in retelling the story of Purim. As Jews, we read our history as a mirror through which we understand our present and as a reminder of the lessons of the past.
The megillah is about Jews like us. Mordechai and Esther were descendants of refugees who made a life for themselves in the diaspora.2 They were largely assimilated and knew how to navigate the secular world, but deep inside they knew their identity as Jews. When the moment of truth comes, they proudly stand up for our people.
Antisemitism didn’t start on October 7, 2023. It didn't even start in Germany in 1932. It has been an unfortunate part of our people’s story since the very beginning. Just as Pharaoh was threatened by the numerousness of the Israelites,3 Haman is threatened by our distinctiveness. He accuses us of disloyalty saying,
“There is one people, dispersed and distinct among the peoples... their laws are different from those of any other people, and the laws of the king, they do not obey. It is not worth the king’s while to tolerate them.”4
The fear and anger towards Jews leads to a genocidal plot.
While the path of least resistance is to keep quiet and hope the whole thing blows over, Mordechai knows this is not an option. He entreats Esther,
“If you keep silent in this crisis... you and your father’s house may perish. And who knows, perhaps you have attained to royal position for just such a crisis.”5
Mordechai and Esther use their position and access to save our people. Esther fasts and pleads for strength to do what is in her power to avert the decree.
Whatever your position, whatever your connection to Judaism, this may be your moment to stand up for our people. Who knows? Perhaps you have attained your position for just such a crisis.
Jews have told this story in ghettos and shtetls, in times of peace and danger, good and bad. This year, we will tell the story once again and consider how we find our place in it.
Mark the Fast of Esther. Today is a minor fast day on the Jewish calendar. It recalls the 3 days of fasting that Esther took upon herself and declared for the whole Jewish people before approaching the king. Fasting and prayer are traditional Jewish responses to a time of distress. Whether or not you will be fasting, perhaps you can take time today to do something to advocate for the hostages in Gaza — wear a piece of tape, or something to call attention to their plight, contact elected officials. In addition, there is a worldwide effort to say a unified Sh’ma for the sake of the Jewish people. Take a minute to say the Sh’ma at 11:30 am and feel the strength of Jews all over the world joining you in a moment of prayer and unity. Here are the details:
*WORLDWIDE SH’MA FOR THE SAKE OF ALL OF KLAL ISRAEL - OUR HOSTAGES, OUR SOLDIERS AND OUR NATION - ON THE FAST OF ESTHER - Thurs. March 21st*
💪Taanit Esther
🗓️ Thursday, March 21
⏰ 5:30pm ISRAEL 🇮🇱
8:30am PT 🇺🇸
11:30am ET 🇺🇸
3:30pm UK 🇬🇧
4:30pm EUR 🇫🇷
2:30am AUS (Friday) 🇦🇺
A moment to silence your groggers. On Saturday night, the first time Haman’s name is mentioned in chapter 3, instead of making noise, we’re going to have a moment of silence for all those whose lives have been lost to violence and antisemitism. Amidst the revelry of Purim, we’ll pause to think about the victims of the October 7 massacre, those who have lost their lives in the war since. This intentional disruption of the usual state of affairs, we hope, will match the mood of this year’s Purim observance.
Give tzedakah (matanot l’evyonim). This year, we will be collecting for
Leket Israel which addresses hunger in Israel. Maimonides writes about the commandment to give on Purim, “It is good to give more in charity to the poor (matanot la’evyonim) than you spend on your festive meal (se’udah) or care packages to friends (mishloah manot), because there is no greater joy than gladdening the hearts of poor people, orphans, widows, and strangers. One who does so is compared to the divine presence.6
Just as Mordechai warned of the dire consequences of remaining silent, we also see how the bravery of Esther led to our deliverance. Because of her heroism, the megillah ends on a joyful note: The Jews enjoyed light and gladness, happiness and honor.7
So may it be for us — in our time.
Amen.
Wishing you a joyous Purim,
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