Rav Chaim Palaggi, in his sefer Moed L’Kol Chai, asks two questions about Purim, and gives a shocking answer. His first question is: Why is it that we are so insistent on the importance of giving Sedaka on Purim, more so than on any other holiday?
His second question is: Why do we have to fast about a decree that never ended up happening?
We fast on Taanit Esther, when seemingly, there is no reason for this, and is not in our times. When we fast on Tisha B’Av, over the Churban Bet HaMikdash, we have what to cry about. But why do fast on Taanit Esther?
We could say that it is in order to teach us the important lesson that when you are in trouble, you fast. That’s what the Rambam says.
But Rav Palaggi answers both questions with a powerful answer.
יען גזרת המן לא נתבטלה כי אם לפי שעה
Because the decree of Haman was only temporarily annulled and rescinded
It wasn’t totally done. As it says in the Megillah, something sealed with the king’s signature can not be overturned. Whenever it says “king” in the Megillah, it refers to G-d. So G-d’s decrees can’t be overturned.
Therefore, this was a temporary annulment.
, וביום פקדו משם והלאה רבו הגזירות והשמדות וההריגות והגרושין
When G-d comes in the future to check our deeds, there are decrees and destructions, lo Alenu.
The Mekubalim have been quoted as saying that the Crusades were just a repeat of Haman’s decree, and the Holocaust was a repeat of Haman’s gezerah.
Those weren’t new decrees. The decree was already there. Therefore, he says that every year we have to re-annul the decree.
We should not go into Purim thinking that since we have been learning about Purim lately, it would be a nice opportunity to learn the lessons of the past, and Mordechai and Esther and the Jewish people fasted, it would be a good lesson for us to fast as well.
It is much more than a good lesson.
We are in the same situation as they were. That is what Rav Chaim Palaggi is saying. It’s a very scary, shocking statement. He says that this is why Hashem’s name is not mentioned in the Megillah- Because there is a rule that G-d does not put His name on destruction and punishment. Therefore, we must have the fast and the crying on Purim, in every generation. We have to cry, fast, and beg G-d that there shouldn’t be a decree in our times. That is an extreme powerful lesson. Purim is as real today as it was then. So we really have to use our imagination, to imagine that we are in a time of such severe potential destruction. How would we pray?
Taanit Esther is an extremely important day. It is not just a commemorative fest. It is more than that. It’s a fast that is meant to protect us, every single year.
We have to remember all of the lessons of Purim, every year. One of the main lessons of Purim is that of achdut/unity. One reason for the decree can be traced back to the Jews attending Achashverosh’s party. But it was also because, due to the party, the Jewish people were scattered. It says, “The people are scattered.“
That’s why it says, “ fast and gather the Jews.“ Fasting was a way to reunite the Jews. That is why when the salvation came, it was turned into a day of Mishloach Manot, and Matanot L’Evyonim, in order to unite everyone. The Ritva says the reason for halacha of giving Sedaka to whomever asks on Purim, is in order to unite us, cause happiness and brotherhood.
This is what we have to think about every year on Purim. It’s not just about remembering what happened then. We have to really relive it.
B’ezrat Hashem, like the Chida says, if the Jewish people live Purim properly, Amalek will be destroyed and Mashiach will come. Purim is an extremely powerful holiday. Let us take advantage of these great days- both Taanit Esther and Purim.
Have a wonderful day and a wonderful Purim.