Weekly Dvar Torah: Purim the Infinite Joy of Divine Connection
Purim stands as a unique jewel in the crown of Jewish holidays. While other Yomim Tovim are filled with overt miracles and majestic revelations, Purim weaves a different kind of story — one that appears concealed within the fabric of natural events yet pulsates with profound spiritual depth. Beneath its lively celebration of joy, feasting, and festive garments lies a powerful reminder of G-d’s ever-present guidance and the unwavering strength of our connection to Torah and Mitzvos.
The Megillah of Esther famously lacks the explicit mention of G-d’s name. At first glance, this omission seems striking, even troubling. Yet herein lies the very essence of Purim. The absence of G-d’s name teaches us that even when His presence seems concealed, He is orchestrating events with precision and purpose. The unfolding narrative of Vashti’s fall, Esther’s rise to royalty, and Mordechai’s steadfastness all seem like natural occurrences. Yet the hand of Hashgacha Pratis (Divine Providence) is evident to those who reflect deeply.
The Baal Shem Tov famously taught that concealment itself is part of Divine revelation. Purim embodies this truth. While G-d’s miracles in Egypt during the Exodus were overt and undeniable, the salvation of Purim unfolded through what seemed like chance and political maneuvering. Yet this concealment reveals an even deeper reality: G-d is not only present in open miracles but also dwells within the mundane details of our lives.
On Yom Kippur, we achieve closeness to Hashem through fasting, Teshuvah, and awe. Yet Purim takes us to an even higher level — one of pure joy and complete Bittul (self-nullification). The Alter Rebbe in Likkutei Torah reveals that “Yom Kippurim” — “the Day of Atonement” — is described as “K’Purim – a day like Purim.” This striking comparison tells us that Purim surpasses Yom Kippur in a profound way.
Yom Kippur elevates us to a transcendent state where we reach beyond our worldly limitations. But Purim reveals something even greater: that our deepest bond with Hashem exists not by escaping this world, but by finding holiness within it. The joyous feasting, the sharing of Mishloach Manos, and the unity of Klal Yisrael reflect the ultimate truth that G-d’s presence fills every corner of existence.
Chassidus explains that the mitzvah of becoming joyous “ad d’lo yada” (until one cannot distinguish between “blessed is Mordechai” and “cursed is Haman”) reveals an even higher spiritual reality. This level transcends the grasp of intellect, connecting us to the essence of Hashem, where distinctions between good and evil dissolve within His infinite light. In this state, the Jewish soul reveals its inner oneness with G-d, a bond that transcends logic or reason.
This unique Purim experience mirrors the concept of “Atzmus,” the very essence of G-d Himself, which cannot be comprehended or measured. Only through the uninhibited joy of Purim can this sublime connection be fully revealed.
Purim is also the celebration of Torah’s ultimate acceptance. While Shavuos marks the initial giving of the Torah, the Gemara (Shabbos 88a) teaches that the Jewish people fully accepted Torah on Purim. Why?
At Sinai, the awe-inspiring revelations compelled the Jews to accept Torah out of overwhelming divine pressure. But during the Purim story, no majestic voice thundered from heaven. Instead, the Jews accepted Torah in a moment of crisis, out of deep love and unwavering commitment. This reveals a higher, more enduring connection to Torah — one rooted in inner dedication rather than external coercion.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe emphasized that this acceptance exemplifies the ultimate expression of “Na’aseh v’Nishma.” Even without supernatural signs, the Jewish people reaffirmed their eternal bond with Hashem’s wisdom. Purim thus represents the transformation of darkness into light, confusion into clarity, and challenge into unwavering faith.
The key Mitzvos of Purim embody this transformation. The mitzvah of Mishloach Manos fosters love and unity, repairing the divisions that Haman sought to exploit. The mitzvah of Matanos La’evyonim extends kindness to the vulnerable, turning sorrow into joy. The festive meal reminds us to celebrate G-d’s hidden miracles with boundless joy. Through these Mitzvos, we emulate Hashem’s ability to turn concealment into revelation and tragedy into triumph.
In our own lives, we often face moments where G-d’s presence feels hidden. Challenges arise, doubts linger, and the path forward seems unclear. Purim teaches us that even in those moments, Hashem is guiding us with infinite love. Just as Esther found the courage to risk her life for her people, we are reminded that each of us has the strength to bring light to darkness and joy to hardship.
Ultimately, Purim empowers us to tap into the deepest reservoirs of joy — not just the fleeting joy of external celebration, but the eternal joy that comes from knowing our connection to Hashem is unbreakable. Even in the most concealed moments of life, Purim reminds us that G-d’s light is always present, waiting to be revealed through our acts of kindness, Torah study, and unwavering faith.
May this Purim be filled with boundless joy, deep connection, and the revelation of G-d’s hidden presence in every aspect of our lives. L’chaim!
This year Purim leads into Shabbos, the day of rest and peace, by connecting with the Infinity of G-d we usher in the day of the eternal Shabbos, eternal rest, eternal peace, in which our only occupation will be to know the Infinite G-d, and we will bask in His glory when Moshiach will end all the concealments of Golus and bring about the full revelation this Purim into the First Shabbos of redemption.
Have an infinitely joyous Purim and a high-flying Shabbos,
Happy Purim and Gut Shabbos
Rabbi Yosef Katzman
