Uniqueness - Breslov on Megillat Esther

After the Sunday morning services my husband found himself in a mild intellectual discomfort attending a lecture by a group of visiting rabbis from the Breslov Institute, and to alleviate the feeling of guilt he bought for me one of their books, sold as part of a fundraising campaign.  It was Esther: A Breslov Commentary on the Megillah, the exact kind of book I was looking for to use as a source for the mini-scroll write-up to enclose in the Mishloach Manot packages for the shul fundraiser. 
Here is the excerpt from the book:

Uniqueness – from Breslov commentary on Megillat Esther

Achashverosh wanted to flaunt his grandeur, so he donned the magnificent robes of the Kohen Gadol which has been looted from the Temple (Megillah 12a).

The priestly robes were extremely magnificent, its threads woven from five unique colors (Exodus 28:6).  These robes symbolized the uniqueness of our people – and the uniqueness of each and every one of us (Likutey Halakhot, Hashkamat HaBoker 1:10). 

Because Tiferet – Magnificence shines forth from contrast, while sameness and conformity tend to be dull.  So G-d is extolled by our uniqueness, by the entire tapestry of all Jewish souls (Likutei Moharan I, 17:1).

But Haman and Achashverosh sought to destroy us, they wanted to homogenize us. Haman told Achashverosh, “There is one people” (3:8) – “those Jews are all the same,” negating our individual uniqueness (Likutei Halakhot, Purim 2). And Achashverosh donned the magnificent robes, to say: “The Jewish people are no longer unque. "

But Mordekhai the Tzaddik embellished the entire people, revealing what was special in each and every one of us. He brought everyone to accept his special role and to accept that each of us is special, with a specific, unique part in G-d’s plan. And even the lost souls who have forsaken their people can return and reclaim their roles as unique.

“… And Mordekhai left the king’s presence, clad in royal attire …” (8:15), in magnificent, uniquely colored garments.

The book of Shemot, parsha Vayakhel describes the construction of Mishkan, the Tabernacle - the temporary dwelling for G-d in the desert, before the great Temple was built in Jerusalem.  The Mishkan construction started with weaving 10 colorful curtain panels of twisted linen, sky-blue wool, purple wool, crimson red wool with cherubim design all around, and the curtains were connected by 50 gold hooks - symbolizing our multi-colored, multi-faceted uniqueness and connectedness to each other - and what connects us all is made of pure gold. 

 Everyone is unique and precious - my husband with his discomfort of slightest whiff of irrationality, and my daughter with her Breslov style pure faith, my son aspiring financial genius, and me the narrator - what would I do without all beautiful and annoying, sweet and angry, wise and sarcastic, passionate and aloof, lazy and obsessive, all inspiring people in my life, what would be there to write about. 

The Laws of Purim (condensed guidelines from Kizur Shulhan Aruch)

 

1)      The 13^th of Adar, the day preceding Purim, is a fast day.  It is called the Fast of Esther and commemorates Esther’s three-day fast.  When 13^th of Adar falls on Shabbat, the fast is observed on the preceding Thursday, the 11^th of Adar.

2)      Purim begins on the 14^th of Adar in most of the world. Jerusalem celebrates on the 15^th of Adar. Some ancient cities, such as Hebron and Tiberias, are required to keep both days.

3)      It is proper to dress up in festival clothing for Purim, although one is permitted to work.

4)      In the days of the Holy Temple, the month of Adar was set aside to remind people of their charitable obligations, in conjunction with the mitzvah of paying the annual half-shekel tax to the Temple. Thus, it is customary to give charity prior to hearing the reading of the Megillah.

5)      During the Amidah, one must add the prayer, Al HaNisim (for the miracles). If one forgot to say it, he need not repeat the Amidah.

6)      The Megillat Esther is read at night and again in the morning.

7)      Men and women must listen to the entire reading of the Megillah.  It is customary to interrupt the recital of the Megillah and bang upon the floor or some other solid object when reciting Haman’s name, as if to say, ”Wipe out the name of the wicked.”  However, the mitzvah of Megillah Reading is to hear every word of the Megillah.  Therefore it is strongly suggested not to drown the reading in loud noise and contain emotions until the festival meal.

8)      One is forbidden to eat a meal until after hearing the Megillah.  However, if one experiences difficulty because of the fast, one may drink or taste something light.

9)      In the morning, the passage of the Torah which speaks about Amalek’s battle against the Jews is read. Afterwards, the Megillah is read. When reciting the blessing of Shehehiyanu, one should bear in mind the three additional mitzvoth of Purim Day:

a.        mishloach manot;

b.      matanot l’evyonim;

c.       the festive meal

10)   Mishloach Manot means literally to “send portions.” On Purim, one must send two portions of food to a Jewish friend. The food items sent to a person must be of different types. In addition, the food must be ready to eat.  For every friend that one sends mishloach manot to, one is credited with a mitzvah, building goodwill and friendship among the Jewish people.

11)   Matanot l’evyonim means “gifts to the poor.” One must give separate contributions to at least two different Jewish poor people on Purim day. 

12)   The festive meal on Purim is very important. One must begin the meal sometime during Purim day, after one has heard the Megillah, sent his presents and given charity.  Usually, the meal begins after Minchah, the afternoon prayer.  A special mitzvah of the day is to imbibe as much alcoholic beverage as one safely can. One should drink until he does not understand the difference between “blessed is Mordekhai” and “accursed is Haman.”

Eat, drink and be merry the entire day, for on Purim it is all a mitzvah!