A Thought from the Rabbi
After the joyousness of Purim, a holiday when we reach the highest heights, what is the next step? How can we possibly do better than unlimited joy?
During the month of Adar, and in this year’s case the months (plural) of Adar, we are commanded to increase our joy. In Judaism we know that we are commanded to “Go from the strength to strength,” to continually grow in spiritual matters. The enemy we overcame on Purim, the evil Haman who came from the nation of Amalek, represents spiritual indifference and coldness to matters of G-dliness. And so we engage in an ongoing battle against that which Haman represents. The greatest weapon in our arsenal in our war with Amalek is happiness. When we are happy we will serve G-d with a positive energy and we certainly will not fall victim to the indifference and coldness embodied by Amalek.
In light of the above our question becomes stronger; where do we go from here?
The Code of Jewish Law indirectly answers when it tells us that it is incumbent upon us to begin preparing for Passover (Pesach) 30 days before the holiday. Interestingly 30 days before Passover is the day after Purim. Coincidence? We don’t think so! The calendar is telling us the answer to our question. The way up from unlimited joy is redemption, as represented by the Holiday of Our Freedom.
It is also instructive that a large part of preparing for Pesach is learning the myriad laws that apply to the holiday. This tells us another valuable lesson; that if we want to remain in the joyous state engendered by Purim, Torah study is a big part of the key. In fact, not only does the Torah study keep us happy, it also keeps us free. The Rabbis tell us clearly that there is no freedom except through Torah.
Some of us may erroneously believe that the Mitzvot are somehow limiting, G-d forbid. The truth is, however, nothing can be further from the truth! But even the freedom that we enjoy through Torah study is nothing compared to the ultimate freedom we will achieve through the speedy arrival of our righteous Moshiach!
