The Naming of Purim

The name of the upcoming chag of Purim usually triggers memories of joy and happiness. People gather to read the Megillah, give gifts to the needy, send food packages to one another, and have a Purim feast with family or friends. The name of the day, Purim requires some understanding as it it is does not appear to be directly related to any of the four mitzvos of the day. The name Purim was selected as it states in the Megila for the following reason: עַל־כֵּן קָרְאוּ לַיָּמִים הָאֵלֶּה פוּרִים עַל־שֵׁם הַפּוּר עַל־כֵּן עַל־כׇּל־דִּבְרֵי הָאִגֶּרֶת הַזֹּאת וּמָה־רָאוּ עַל־כָּכָה וּמָה הִגִּיעַ אֲלֵיהֶם: “For that reason these days were named Purim, after pur. In view, then, of all the instructions in the said letter and of what they had experienced in that matter and what had befallen them”. In other words Purim was selected because of the lots that Haman drew is referred to as a “Pur.” The selection of the name of the Chag based on the “Pur” seems a little bizarre as there other compelling factors in the Purim story as how the Jews survived to see another day from the genocidal plot that was hatched by Haman. The Gaon of Vilna shares a powerful insight on this issue. He explains that the crux of the miracle was despite the well-laid plans of Haman, who carefully choreographed the genocide of the Jews down to the day it was supposed to commence, there was the hidden hand of G-d to upend this scheme. The larger message was that despite all the normal plans and preparations for our demise, the eternity of the Jewish People prevails. Mordechai and Esther instructed us to amplify this message of the enduring and unbroken Jewish spirit by celebrating this day every year. As we celebrate this special day, let us be mindful to reflect on our destiny as a people above any “Pur.” Have a Freilechen Purim and a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch