|
Rabbi Dovid S. Polter, Community Chaplain
Purim and Insomnia
Most people’s memories of Purim are filled with images of children having fun and wearing costumes, attending carnivals, enjoying hamantaschen, and dancing in the streets. However, few people associate Purim with insomnia.
As recorded in the Purim Megillah (named after Queen Esther) the King of Persia suffered from insomnia one night. Unable to sleep, he ordered his book of memoirs to be brought to him so he could review the records of the royal palace. As he flipped through the pages, he discovered an account of the great act of kindness performed by Mordechai, the righteous spiritual leader of the Jewish people at the time. This discovery set in motion a chain of events that would change the course of history. The king’s newfound awareness ultimately led to a positive turn of events, defending Mordechai, Queen Esther, and their people, the Jewish people. The great Purim miracle then began to unfold.
In fact, when the Megillah is read and the story reaches the sixth chapter, where the King’s insomnia is recorded, the reader is instructed to raise their voice to emphasize the miracle that began with the King’s sleepless night.
This raises an interesting question: Why do so many people today suffer from insomnia? Sometimes, what seems like a challenge can lead to an unexpected blessing. In this case, the King’s insomnia led directly to the miraculous events of Purim.
Statistically, a large percentage of Americans today rely on CPAP machines or medicine to help them sleep, especially due to insomnia. From a spiritual perspective, one might view this as a sign that the world is anxiously awaiting a great miracle, the final redemption. It’s possible that the collective excitement for this long-awaited moment is keeping many of us awake at night, as we eagerly anticipate the fulfillment of this prophecy.
The miracle of Purim is closely tied to the future redemption of the Jewish people. Let our own insomnia, like the King of Persia’s, lead to positive results and bring about a miraculous transformation in our lives.
There is purpose and virtue in every challenge. Sometimes, even our struggles lead to the greatest blessings.
| 
