Ohev Shalom Voice
Adar - March, 5769
Rabbi’s Message
These days are remembered and put in practice by every single generation.
(Esther 9:28)
The Talmud (Megillah 3A) rules that the Priests, the Levites and the Israelites must interrupt their services in the Bais Hamikdash in order to hear the reading of the Megillah. Consequently it concludes that the academies must interrupt their learning of Torah to hear the Megillah. It considers the hearing of the Megillah as separate from learning Torah. Why so? The Megillah is one of the twenty books of the Holy Scripture. Why is it not considered learning Torah?
The Academies of Torah maintain their studies in deliberate, undisturbed courses geared to educating students to the practice and observance of the commandments of the Torah. Reading the Megillah will interrupt the trend of learning and will delay the completion of the courses just as it will interrupt and delay the service of the Bais Hamikdash. The importance of Megillah is called: “recognizing the miracleפרסומי ניסא .“
The story read in the Megillah might seem to be a simple account of political jealousy on the part of Haman followed by intrigue on the part of Mordechai and Esther. Proper analysis of these events will allow us to see how every sequence of the story was precisely guided by Our G-d. Realizing the constant Divine guidance of our lives is the recognition of our faith which is the force that motivates us to learn and observe the Torah. Only by recognizing a Divine Commander will we submit to His Divine Commandments. Megillah reading does not interrupt learning Torah and observance of its Commandments. It strengthens and perpetuates them.
We thank You for the miracles, the redemption, the mighty deeds, the salvation and the wonders. (Purim Prayer)
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