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Jewish Journal

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A Moment in Time: Purim – Because One Voice CAN Make a Difference

[additional-authors]
Picture of Rabbi Zach Shapiro

Rabbi Zach Shapiro

February 25, 2021

Dear all,

(The above photo is NOT directly related to my Moment in Time: But it IS from our Purim Carnival a few years back!)

Tonight we celebrate the Festival of Purim, recalling the Biblical story when evil Haman attempted to annihilate the Jew of ancient Persia. The word “Purim” itself means, “lots” – as in drawing lots. According to the text, the date for slaughtering the Jews was randomly chosen.

But our story teaches that we can’t live our lives by random acts. Esther, a Jewish woman who married the King (encouraged by her uncle, Mordechai) found her voice. She raised it, and altered the course of history by speaking out with purpose – ultimately preventing the destruction of our people.

Purim teaches that in the face of random circumstances beyond our control, we have the opportunity to find our moment in time to show that one voice can shape the future with purpose and with light.

Chag Purim Sameach! (Happy Purim!)

Rabbi Zach Shapiro

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