Such is the story of the complexities of Purim.

Tonight and tomorrow we approach the question of Jewish persecution in a more pensive manner. Shabbat Zachor, the Shabbat immediately before Purim, includes as its maftir reading the passage from Deuteronomy exhorting us to remember Amalek’s attack on the rear column of the fleeing Israelites. Torah is very specific in its demands that we remember, obliterate the memory of Amalek and that we not forget. Bracketing the commandment with synonymous commands for memory emphasizes the importance Jewish self-defense.

In a post Holocaust era, we feel that sense of prevention of Amalek in a much more direct manner. So, when a descendant of Amalek comes along with yet another plot to destroy the Jewish people, he meets a comic and humiliating end at the hands of a buffoon-king and his Jewish queen.

Tonight and tomorrow we can be a bit serious as we evolve intellectual and spiritual mechanisms to cope with Jewish persecution. Saturday night and Sunday let’s all join in laughter, celebration, good spirit (and for many of us, good spirits) and fun for all ages as we celebrate Purim.

Don’t forget to come in costume (adults and kids) on Saturday evening!

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Purim Sameach

Rabbi Ned Soltz