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Megillat Esther - Revealing the hidden

25/02/2021 09:11:29 AM

Feb25

Dear Congregational Family,

Twice on Purim, we listen to the reading of Megillat Esther - the book/scroll of Esther. It is one of the most peculiar texts in the entire Tanach, or, Scripture. The historical background is debated among scholars, as to when in the fifth century BCE the story takes place. Are the characters real historical figures or fictional characters? Are the names Mordecai and Esther connected  to the polytheistic myths about the god and goddess, Marduk and Ishtar? Perhaps most striking is that the name of God never explicitly appears in the text. One is left to discover the hand of God between the lines or behind the scenes.

The words Megillat Esther mean more than the book or scroll of Esther. The words literally translate as "revealing the hidden." When we disguise ourselves with masks for fun and revelry, we are also being challenged to look behind the mask in order to confront and reveal our true inner selves which are often hidden from view. Similarly, we are called upon to reveal the hidden name of God in the story and to discover God's presence.

With all the joy and fun which surround the reading of Megillat Esther, let us use this holiday as an occasion to reveal our true selves and the place of God's presence in our lives.

Chag Purim Sameach,

Rabbi Howard Morrison

Fri, 29 March 2024 19 Adar II 5784