Personal Redemption through the Mask of Purim

Shushan Purim, celebrated only by cities that were walled at the time that Joshua conquered the land, represents absolute victory over our enemies, speedily in our days. 

What was so different in the victory in Shushan, the capital of the Persian Empire, was that the first time around the Jews residing there still cowered before the reigning empire, and didn't want to disturb the waters. They were too afraid to celebrate, still, for fear of reprisal. And so, they simply didn't celebrate. The rest of the empire, Jews far and wide celebrated, but they, did not. Mordechai, whose name had become great, renowned, knew that this was a critical moment for all eternity, one that would solidify his and Esther's place in the pantheon of the Jewish people's greatest leader, leading our sages to teach that when the Beit Hamikdash is rebuilt, Purim will exceed all other holidays, which will become marginalized, but Purim's message will echo for all time. 

Mordechai and Esther commanded the Jews of Shushan to also celebrate, to not let fear cripple them, and to communicate for mankind that it is wholly unethical and wrong to smite a Jew, and that the contribution the Jewish people have in advancing the world far exceeds any fear that may stem from the differences that separate them. 

It was this message that Queen Esther bravely gave the world when she asked Achashveirosh for another day to defeat and eradicate our enemies. One day would suffice to ensure our survival, a second our posterity. The second was a day of salvation, communicating to the world that enough is enough, that the Jewish people are the eternal nation, and that no one dare lift a finger against us for otherwise they will pay dearly for their lives and cannot hide behind the veil of their impudence. 

At the beginning of Achashveirosh's reign, after killing Vashti he needed to give a nationwide tax deduction, and grants to the provinces to solidify his reign; once Mordechai becomes his second-hand man, Achashveirosh raises taxes, improving the financial state of the empire. In other words, when the Jewish mind is used and employed, from ethical compass, to sensitivity to one's fellow man, to economic acumen, it only serves to better the political and social milieu. 

And so, on this very holy day, a day that is now celebrated here in Jerusalem and only a few select other cities, it's important to think about how we, as individuals, have experienced personal redemption. Think about something that seemed doomed - but turned out, surprisingly well! Think about how the tides can turn and how the mask of misfortune can be ever so rapidly replaced by the best tidings, the best things that can, have and will happen, if we only hold on to a glimmer of hope and stay resolute in our faith in ourselves and Hashem.