Purim: We’re Still Here

The Purim story ominously portrays a serious and massive antisemitic event. And while the biblical book of Esther is a work of fiction, its story has shaped Jewish consciousness and our approach to antisemitism.

Let’s begin by acknowledging that this austere and grim tale is not observed in a serious and grave setting in which we might contemplate the dreadful consequences of pervasive antisemitism. Rather, the setting for our Megillah reading is rather bawdy and carnivalesque: we treat the event in the story as somewhat of a huge joke.

[Editor’s Note: The above photo does not appear to be taken at CAH!]

In fact, in the manner of a traditional reading of the Megillah in a comic setting, Haman is portrayed as a clumsy clown. Indeed, children often choose to masquerade as Haman. Musicals and parodies are the order of the day, and even a special pastry is seen as a jocose rendering of Haman’s ear.

This kind of observance–actually celebration–gives us great insight into the Jewish mind. It is precisely our ability to accept life with a sense of humor that has helped us to survive. This saving humor emerges from the wellsprings of our Jewish character, which affirms life and enables each of us in every generation to gain a perspective of Jewish history from a wider, broader, deeper vantage point.

As highly respected art historian Bernard Berenson (1865-1959) pointed out, “Like the ants, the Jews never lose faith in life. Hamans and Hitlers everywhere; yet they live on, and enjoy life.”

 Bernard Berenson

When it is shown that history’s antisemites have hurled themselves in vain at Jewish existence, it becomes clear that to try to stamp out Jews and Judaism is an act of folly. It is folly because we are strong, committed and grounded, and we have left a Jewish imprint in virtually every endeavor of human civilization. And so it is appropriate that Haman gets treated to the supreme insult of being reduced to what is a biscuit–the hamantaschen which we can polish off in one mouthful!

We can’t point to the effect of the ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, et al. But everyone can point to us Jews.

We survive, We thrive.

We are here.

We live on, and enjoy life.

And we are ready to polish off some hamantaschen!

Rabbi J.B. Sacks