Purim World order

Yoseph Janowski

When I consider what Purim is all about and what it means today, I turn to my fond memorials of the Rebbe on Purim. I was a young teenager at the time. My older brother, Yisroel, made sure that I would have a seat about a row or two behind the Rebbe, I think it was during the reading of the Megillah. At one point, near the end of the service, while the final kaddish was being recited, the Rebbe turned around to look at the people in the shul. (During later years, I noticed that he generally did so.)

On this occasion, on Purim, the Rebbe looked directly at me. In those days, the relatively immature young man in me was into staring contests. At that point in time, I was not too familiar with the Rebbe and Chabad. So, in that awkwardness of youth and inexperience, I decided to see if I could out stare the Rebbe. It did not occur to me that there might be something amiss in this, a lack of due respect. So I stared, rather mischievously.

The Rebbe didn’t waver. I’m not sure if he was onto me and my game, trying to teach me a lesson, or simply being the Rebbe – maybe all of the above. Either way, the Rebbe kept looking right at me until I looked away, thus losing the staring contest.

I didn't think much about it, until the next day when I helped someone deliver some Purim mishloach manot gift packages. After asking permission to taste some of the tempting cream puffs, I helped myself to the sweet treats. That night, I experienced the most excruciating stomach pain. My hosts called a doctor, who came and diagnosed a severe case of food poisoning. It was so bad that I thought I might not make it. Thankfully, I survived, and the next day I was fine. But I remember that I firmly resolved not to attempt to out stare the Rebbe again, even if the two events were loosely, if at all, connected.

So why do I say that it is a fond memory? And why am I telling it over?

Because I later learned, that even severity is ultimately tremendous kindness. My interactions with the Rebbe in later years are now, in my mind, all treasured. My efforts to follow in his footsteps, even if sometimes these efforts were not easy, were still precious, and wonderfully beneficial.

So what does this have to do with today?

Our world has undergone tremendous pain during the last few years. Ultimately, everything happens by Divine providence for our benefit. Sometimes we readily understand and see the benefit, and sometimes we don't. As the prophet says, "I will thank You G‑d that You showed anger to me." The Rebbe explains that the future tense (I will thank You) is used, because even if we don't understand and appreciate it now, in the future, at the time of our Redemption, we will understand and thank Him. Even though it appears to be severity now, it is benevolent kindness. And one day soon, with the proper perspective, we will see and appreciate it.

We live in a time when the world is confused. Things seemed to be going so well in all areas – commerce, health, science, peacefulness. And then came Covid, and the disruption that it caused, and the subsequent unrest, wars, polarization and uncertainty have left people shaken and suddenly unsure of their ability to make it. It’s as if the entire world ate some of those spoiled cream puffs.

So then what happens? A miracle. In Israel, for the first time (during the holiday of Chanukah no less, when we remember

G‑d's miracles and kindness), Israelis formed a stable and united government coalition for the first time in several years, one that is committed to being faithful to Jewish heritage and values, including the protection of Jewish lives and the security of the land. With this newfound stability and authenticity as a springboard, Israel is now in a better position to serve its role as a “light unto the nations.” As the Torah says, “For all the nations on earth will see that G‑d's Name is upon you.” When the people of Israel are true to their own values, even if they are somewhat unpopular in some circles, we succeed. And success breeds imitation. The world will view the Jewish people as a role model. They will respect our adherence to our principles as the true source of our strength. They will see supernatural success and Divine blessings, and they will follow our example, also choosing to serve their Creator and follow in His ways. As a result, the entire world will be blessed with peace and prosperity. Then we will all appreciate the momentary severity, and we will thank Him for His benevolence. May it happen now. EM