The Messianic Times - International Messianic Jewish News and Information

Does Israel want to be known for throwing “the best party in town,” or as a people who “worked for the good of their people and spoke for the welfare of all the Jews”? As Israel and the diaspora prepare to celebrate Purim (14 and 15 Adar; also the 16, depending on where you live [March 20–22, 2008]), we read the Megillah (the Book of Esther), and it reveals many levels of celebration and inspiration. There is the famous quote about Esther, who has “come to the kingdom for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14), which is extremely serious, and there is a decree to observe the day “as a day of joy and feasting, a day for giving presents to each other” (Esther 9:19).

Let’s look at these two aspects of Purim: Israel “throwing its best party,” and how Israel as a people can be described as Mordecai is described in Esther 10:3: “He worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.” And, of course, we’ll look at the words about Esther, who “came to the kingdom for such a time.”

In keeping with the decree given by King Xerxes—that they should celebrate their victory— Jews from all walks of life have kept that promise for the over 2,500 years, since Haman was hanged on Mordecai’s gallows. As it is written in the Book of Esther, Haman the Agagite was enraged when Mordecai, from the tribe of Benjamin, would not bow down to him. When Haman discovered that Mordecai was a Jew, he, along with his wife and friends, plotted to kill Mordecai and all the Jews in the Persian Empire. Mordecai learned of the plot and sent the news to Queen Esther. Through Esther’s courage and love for her people, she persuaded King Xerxes that Haman was a vile man who plotted to destroy her, her family, and all the Jews in the empire. King Xerxes believed her, hung Haman, and issued a decree that no one should try to destroy the Jews but that the Jews were free to destroy their enemies, which they did. King Xerxes then told them to throw a party.

And how do they throw a party in Israel? One modern day description says it all: “Lots of adults get dressed up and even one of the synagogues dressed up. The building was dressed as a boat.” Is that what King Xerxes had in mind? I interviewed a couple of Israelis, both born in the United States and now living in Israel, and they have experienced great celebrations in Israel. Rita C., a Messianic Jew originally from New York, said, “In Israel, it’s not hard to celebrate. Stores abound with costumes, music is in the air, and the grocery stores sell hamantashen. The atmosphere is festive and exciting.” I asked Rita how the Messianic Jews observe Purim in their congregations. “We always have a big party in the congregation and the Megillah is read. The room is decorated. The kids perform a play and there is lots of singing and dancing. Purim is a corporate event. It is also celebrated in the schools and there is a three-day holiday. The kids wear costumes and we make Purim baskets called Mishlo’ach Manot, which we give to our friends, to poor people, and to soldiers.” I asked Rita what Purim means to her as a Believer in Yeshua. Rita replied, “I love Purim because I love the story of Esther. I love that God is so evident and controlling things even though His name is never mentioned. It gives me faith and courage to know that He is, indeed, in complete control, even if people don’t know He is.

Another Messianic Jew, Moshe M., who came from Maryland thirteen years ago, describes his Purim experiences. “My wife and I founded Rosh Pina Messianic Congregation in Baltimore. During our thirteen years as leaders of Rosh Pina, we were noted particularly for our Purim shpiels (plays). We began modestly, but as time passed they grew into more extravagant productions, with as many as four hundred people attending.

“In moving to Israel we wanted to carry this over. The challenge we faced was not in cultural differences regarding Purim. Israel was in many ways wilder regarding Purim. It seemed to be more like Halloween on the streets. Witches, goblins, super heroes, and teenage girls dressed like street walkers far out-numbered Esther and Mordecai.”

Describing how his congregation in Israel (Ohalei Rachamim [Tents of Mercy]) celebrates, Moshe comments, “The biggest challenge in our plays was finding ways to communicate the story in a fresh and fun way to an audience that is 85% Russian. Last year we performed Esther of Oz. Generally in Israel Purim draws a good number of people to the synagogues to hear the reading of the Megillah. In spite of all the silliness associated with Purim, the underlying message is as solid as the Word of God. His promises to preserve the nation from destruction are strongly portrayed in the Purim story. As followers of Yeshua, we have experienced the reality of our God in a way we never could have before. The stories in the Bible are not just morality tales, but true portraits of our God in action.”

The country of Israel is keeping the decree of King Xerxes by throwing the best party around. However, the people of Israel never forget the seriousness of the holiday either. So, it is possible to celebrate with joy and feasting, and to be remembered as were Mordecai and Queen Esther, who Mordecai admonished, “For if you remain silent at this time relief and deliverance will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows, but that you have come to a royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). We need to remember the words of Mordecai to Queen Esther, and the great deeds of Mordecai and Esther, as we both celebrate and look at the seriousness of the times in the Land of Israel.