The Jewish holiday of Purim is quickly approaching. It begins on the evening of March 11 and continues through the next day, Sunday the 12th.
The holiday of Purim has its roots in the Biblical Book of Esther. The story is a fairytale full of palace intrigue, romance, greed, lust for power, and outrageous fate. The story of Purim makes no mention of Divine Source. In fact the name of the super courageous heroine, Esther, holds the meaning of “hidden.” Purim is celebrated as Jewish Carnival; it ushers in the end of winter when life is hidden, and it reminds us through outrageous twists of fate that life holds much more than the what we can see. Purim reminds us to be open to wonder and that wonder is connected to hope. Purim’s biggest lesson is that through hope people can effect real good in our world.
From Rabbi Harry’s piece in the Times Colonist this week.
