Rabbi Howard Morrison

For the last two years, all of us have been wearing masks, mandated by law to protect us during the pandemic. 

As I noted last week, Batman (as well as many other comic book and movie heroes) wears a mask, to hide his civilian identity from foes and to protect those who are dear to him.

This coming Wednesday night and Thursday, we will wear masks for different reasons. In the Book of Esther, the obvious is hidden by a physical or figurative mask. Mordecai wears a costume of ashes and sackcloth when he mourns. He later dresses as a viceroy after the miracle takes place. Esther disguises herself as a queen to conceal her Jewishness until a crucial moment when she removes her mask and reveals her true self to the King. Even God appears masked in the story as the Divine name never appears in the actual text.

In a few days, we will wear masks and costumes for fun. Jewish tradition gives us a day of pure enjoyment for one day a year. On Purim, we wear masks, partake in a feast, and enjoy some drink as well. Contrast this to Yom Kippurim, when we remove the masks, show our true selves, fast, and refrain from various pleasures.

There is a lot to be concerned with in the world right now: The pandemic, Anti-Semitism, a modern day Haman-Pharaoh imposing acts of evil in the Ukraine, and more. We cannot minimize our concerns. Nevertheless, for one day, we all need a time of release and celebration. 

We pray for peace and well-being for the Jewish people and all humanity, even as we prepare to celebrate Purim in its fullness.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison