Purim

Purim is the only Yom Tov celebrated on different dates in different locations. Most cities celebrate it on the 14^th of Adar – when most of the Jews at the time of miracle rested from vanquishing their enemies – but certain cities observe Shushan Purim on the 15^th, marking the day the people of Shushan rested.

The miracle of Purim is unique in several ways. One is that there were no obvious miracles. Another is that it took place in Exile and, in the words of our Sages, adayan avdei Achashveirosh anan; the lives of the Jews were saved, but they were not redeemed, they remained subjugated by Achashveirosh.

The fact that this festival is celebrated in different places on different days may be related to these unique characteristics.

Throughout galus, we have faced many challenges to our existence, sometimes in one place, sometimes in another. Each time, Hashem has saved us, all the while hiding behind His veil of hester panim.

Purim is a lesson for us to celebrate our own Purims, whenever we are saved, wherever we are, whatever day it is. Indeed, the halachah is that a community that is miraculously saved may establish it’s own “Purim.”

May our recognition of Hashem’s obscured Presence and our gratitude and appreciation for His help be a zechus  that we and the entire world soon perceive His full Glory, b’vias goel tzedek bimheirah.

A Freilichen Purim.