Purim!

While not part of the Festival Cycle, Purim has important historical and Biblical significance. The story is found in the Book of Esther.  Traditionally, the Megillah, the entire Book of Esther, is read in the synagogue. It is a common practice to give gifts or משלוח מנות mishloah manot.

A short history leading up to the story- Babylon was the Gentile world power that led Israel into captivity in three successive stages. Persia conquered Babylon in 539 B.C.E. and permitted the Jews to return to their homeland. However, not all the Jews elected to return and instead stayed in Persia. The Book of Esther records events in Shushan (Susa), one of four capitals of Persia. The history of Persian policy toward the Jews varied under different leaders. The Book of Esther records that Ahasuerus (Xerxes) allowed a decree to be written to destroy all the Jews. Haman, one of his officials who was his closest confidant, perpetuated this.

Through Esther’s intersession and bravery as Queen, the king allows the Jews to live and defend themselves.

Notably, the book of Esther does not directly describe God’s activity in any of the events and does not mention the name of God. The very fact that so many Jews remained in Persia points to their reluctance to identify with the God of Israel. The absence of God’s name does not indicate a lack of involvement. God is actually very near and involved. God remains faithful and is in sovereign control, even when the objects of his affection are unfaithful.