As we usher in the joyous month of Adar, a time traditionally associated with increasing happiness, we reflect on the profound message carried within these days. The great Hagaon Rabbeinu Yitzchak Yosef explains that the reason for this heightened joy stems from gratitude to Hashem for the miracles He performed for us during this period. The joy we cultivate is not just celebratory but also deeply spiritual, signaling that these days are auspicious for blessings and goodness.

The Talmud teaches, “When Adar begins, we increase our joy,” an acknowledgment that our mazal, our fortunes, can shift toward the good. We pray for the transformation of any evil decrees into days of joy, health, unity, and salvation. Just as the month of Av gradually decreases our joy until the mourning on Tisha B’Av, Adar progressively increases our joy in preparation for Purim—the pinnacle of happiness.

Purim: The Celebration of Unity and Tolerance

But Purim is more than a festival of joy; it is the celebration of unity and tolerance. Rav Dessler emphasizes that Purim is the holiday where the Jewish people accepted the Torah out of love, rekindling the unity we first experienced at Mount Sinai when we stood “like one person with one heart.” This unity is essential for receiving the Torah, and it reawakens each year during Purim. The mitzvot of giving mishloach manot (gifts of food) and matanot l’evyonim (gifts to the poor) foster this unity by encouraging us to give, which in turn nurtures affection and love among us.

The Deeper Meaning of Drinking on Purim

The tradition of drinking on Purim also serves a spiritual purpose. As we drink “ad d’lo yada”—until we can’t differentiate between “cursed is Haman” and “blessed is Mordechai”—we let go of judgment. We relax our rigid expectations of ourselves and others, becoming more tolerant and accepting. It’s a reminder that we are all different, and yet, we must find unity even within our diversity. Interestingly, Purim is celebrated on different dates depending on whether a city was walled at the time of Yehoshua. This difference highlights that true unity does not mean uniformity; we can celebrate on different days while still maintaining internal harmony.

Unconditional Love and Hidden Miracles

The theme of unconditional love is central to Purim. Rav Shimshon Pinkus beautifully explains that Purim occurred at a time when the Jewish people were spiritually asleep. Despite their lack of merit, Hashem performed miracles on their behalf, showcasing His endless mercy and love. This is the hidden message of Purim—Hashem’s love for us is unconditional, even when we are not at our best. The hidden nature of the miracle reflects the hidden love Hashem has for us, a love that exists even when it is not immediately visible.

This is why Purim will remain a significant holiday even after the arrival of Mashiach. While in the Messianic era we will witness open miracles, Purim will serve as a reminder of Hashem’s love in times when we are not deserving, when His kindness is concealed. It is a celebration of His unwavering affection for us, even in our most flawed moments.

Embracing Ourselves with Love

In this light, Purim is not only a time to celebrate Hashem’s love but also an opportunity to embrace and love ourselves—flaws, imperfections, and all. The practice of letting go of judgments, both of others and of ourselves, is a deeply transformative aspect of Purim. As we let go, we make space for Hashem’s unconditional love to flood us, reminding us that we are worthy of love simply because we exist.

Finding Light in Darkness

As we reflect on Purim this year, in the midst of global pain and uncertainty, we are reminded of the resilience and faith displayed by so many. Even in moments of great tragedy, people have responded with love and emunah (faith), refusing to be embittered. This is the true spirit of Purim—to shine and sing even in the darkness, to trust in Hashem’s plan, even when it seems impossible to understand.

A Statement of Faith

By celebrating Purim this year, we are not just observing a holiday; we are making a profound statement of faith. We are embracing the message that Hashem’s love is constant, whether revealed or concealed. And may this emunah, this unshakable joy and trust, be the final act needed to bring about the ultimate redemption, where all will be revealed in its true light.

May we merit to experience the miracles and joys of Adar and Purim, both openly and in hidden ways, and may we see Hashem’s loving hand in every aspect of our lives.