Israel is one of the only places tin the world where you have a unique Purim choice. Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar, which is today.
However, in a city surrounded by walls, like Shushan, or in today’s world, Jerusalem, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of Adar. And that leaves us with a choice. If you love Purim so much and you want the party to continue, all you need to do is celebrate Purim in Tel Aviv on the 14th of Adar, take the short ride to Jerusalem on the 15th of Adar, and you have two full days of one of the happiest days of the year.
On the other hand, you can also run away from Purim. You can decide to be solemn in Jerusalem on the 14th of Adar and head to Tel Aviv on the 15th, thus missing Purim entirely.
If you are confused, that is perfectly OK, because that is what Purim is meant to do. So many choices we make come down to that simple question: Will we run toward the opportunity that may also be a risk? Or do we run away from a fear that we know will still be there no matter how far we go? Do we run away from community when the world falls apart, or do we run towards community, knowing that even virtually and from afar, relationships are stronger than we care to admit?
There are some things that we run toward–happiness, fulfillment, purpose, and love.
There are some things that we run away from-danger, the unknown, sometimes, even our own selves.
Purim gives us permission to reevaluate this question. We wear our masks and costumes today. But when we remove them and enter Shabbat, what direction will you face?
