Pg.2
The Vnahapach / turnabout never occurred in reality. After all, the divine plan was
always in place (1). What did change was how we viewed what had
transpired. Finally
seeing all the pieces of the puzzle in place, we were able to find G-d. For one brief
moment in our history we were able to get a glimpse behind the proverbial screen.
In retrospect we all have 20/20 vision. But only in retrospect. Only the next day,
looking back, can we demand of anyone to see the full picture. In the heat of the moment
it is close to impossible to connect the dots. After only a brief study of history the idea of
G-d's hand in choosing leaders and changing borders is almost palpable, while, when
viewing current events, having such an outlook becomes more than a simple challenge.
Perhaps it is not so much our salvation that we are embracing, but rather how it was
executed. The Vnahapach is not just an observation of a story but a lesson in how our
outlook ought to be: That G-d is behind all events. When did we recognize this? On Yud
Daled.
Now, if the Yom Tov of Purim
is a celebration of His direct hand in all events, what
greater example is there then a Pur, a lottery, the paradigm of chance? There too, even in
the "luck of the draw", it was G-d controlling the outcome.
Chazal tell us (Midrash Shir
HaShirim) that in the time of Mashiach all Yomim
Tovim will be nullified with the exception of Purim. Many commentators have
already
dealt with what is apparently an odd choice. Purim, after all, is not even a Torah
mandated Yom Tov. (As to why any of the Yomim Tovim need to be abolished is
another issue entirely.) Perhaps though, through what we have explained, we can better
understand the singling out of Purim. The prophet tells us that the era of Mashiach
will
be a time when "Umucha Hashem Elokim Dimah Mayall Kol Panim" (Yeshaya 25/8 ).
A time when all our hurts, past and present, will vanish. A time when we will finally "get
it". Throughout all our suffering we should have danced not wept. In fact, our fasts,
which are days designated to remember all the agonies of this exile, will be turned into
Yomim Tovim. Imagine, feasting on Tishah B'av! We are presently living in our own
story of Purim that has not yet ended and the era of Mashiach will be our
Yud Daled - the
definitive "day after''. When through the greatest of epiphanies we will be able to
conceptualize and feel to our core that G-d was there. All our failings were successes, our
weaknesses - strengths. What Purim represents is a time we all long for. When our
sorrows will be turned upside down in the greatest display of "Vnahapach". A time when
"Nehapach Lahem Miyagone Lisimcha Umayvel Lyom Tov". May we see that day soon.
' See Megillah 12a - "Heim
Lo Assu Ella Liphnim, Hakodosh Baruch Hu Lo Assu Emahen Ella Liffbim".
And even according to dissenting views (that we really were to be destroyed),
because of G-d's hope for
our teshuvah, the wheels of reversal were, obviously, already in motion.