We recently hosted 50 young adults in our backyard, making hamantaschen. I started the evening giving one of the reasons why we eat this triangular-shaped pastry.
Hamantaschen are also known as “oznei-Haman”. Translated as the “ears of Haman.” We have some really odd rituals. But eating “Haman’s ears” makes sense when you understand the essence of Purim.
Haman rose in leadership, plotted to kill the Jews, and organized a parade in which he would be praised through the streets. And yet, v’nahafoch hu—everything is turned upside down. Instead, Mordecai rises in leadership, Queen Esther saves the Jews, and Haman’s plot transitions into his own demise. Purim reminds us that the details of our lives aren’t meant for someone else to read. The details of our lives are meant for us to write and rewrite. The holiday teaches that there is always room to flip the script.
My favorite part of the Megillah is when Mordecai reminds Esther that perhaps, she was put into a royal position for a time such as this. She was born for this moment. She took the fate of her people into her hands and constructed a story she deemed worth telling.
We all witness moments in which we can either watch the story unfold or grasp the pen, and change the ending. We were born for moments like these. Moments in which we take steps in determining our fate. Moments in which we make a difference—for ourselves and others.
On Purim, we eat the “ears” of the person that vowed to destroy the Jews. A reminder that we hold real power in our hands if we choose to heed our calling. You were born for this moment. The question is whether you’ll choose to become the author of your own story.
I hope so. Those are usually the best stories to read.
Chag Purim Sameach
Shabbat Shalom
In partnership with The Jewish Journal, you can also find Rabbi Guzik’s blog post HERE.
