Better Times Await!

BH

Today, the 14th of the Jewish month of Adar I marks an odd occurrence. Today is called Purim Katan - “Small Purim.”

In a standard year, the 14th of Adar would be the immensely popular holiday of Purim - the festival celebrating the miraculous survival of our people when up against the evil decree of Haman.

This year however is a large leap away from standard. Leap - yes, as in a Leap Year. Nope, that does not mean a 29th day. On the Jewish calendar it means adding an entire month to the cycle!

Why the month of Adar? Why not a different month? Or even perhaps an exclusive month, that only occurs during said leap year?

I bring you the age old saying: “Mi’shenichnas Adar Marbim B’simcha.” – “When Adar comes, we increase our joy!” - Who wouldn’t want an entire calendar frame of extra joy?!

What makes this month so joyous? Of course, the holiday of Purim. when Haman attempted to physically destroy the Jews. Unlike Chanukah, he didn’t aspire to change our ways - he chose to take our life. He did not - the Jews prevailed. (Like all Jewish holidays, they tried to kill us, we won, lets eat!)

Adar I is considered a prequel to the Broadway show. Purim Katan is a pre-season rehearsal for the Big Dance.

This year, Purim Katan falls out when we read Parshat Ki Tisa from the Torah. We read about G-d delivering to Moshe the second set of Tablets.

Moshe ascends Mount Sinai, returning with the first set of Tablets. Seeing the great sin of the Golden Calf, Moshe drops the tablets, breaking them.

Moshe returns to the summit of Sinai and pleads for his flock. 40-days later, G-d forgives, sending Moshe down with the second set of Tablets.

Fast forward to the Purim story: The Jewish people are granted permission to rebuild the Beit Hamikdash - the Holy Temple - in Jerusalem. Achashverosh ascends the throne and revokes the edict. He throws a feast, causing the Jewish people to sin.

Mordechai leads the people in prayer and G-d hears their cries. Their solace is granted in the form of “V’nahafoch Hu” - everything being flipped around!

Two similar stories; good times followed by sin, prayer and finally, even better times.

Purim Katan, a day with zero specific observance (less the omission of the confessional prayers during the daily services) yet lots of fanfare. What is the purpose, and why is it still relevant to us?

Annually, we are afforded the opportunity to celebrate Purim. During Jewish Leap Years we are lucky to receive the most joyous month in double dosage.

The lessons of the Parsha and of Purim Katan combine to teach us that G-d does not accept failure by his people or demise of his nation. Neither have rules and regulations in His playbook.

The inspiration behind the two events encourages us to remember that even whilst the times may be hard, good times were, and better times await.

We turn to our creator, he cannot deny us.

And it is my heartfelt prayer that as we celebrate Purim Katan, 5771, G-d will hear our outcry to bring the ultimate of better times, the times of Moshiach, when the words of this week’s Haftarah will be realized.

“וַיַּרְא, כָּל-הָעָם...וַיֹּאמְרו ה’ הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים” - “And the nation saw... they said Hashem is the Creator!”