Adar 6
Saving the Crumbs
The word Purim can also indicate peirurim, or crumbs. The verse states, “Por hitporerah ha’aretz…”–“The earth is crumbled to pieces…” (Yeshayah 24:19) Even though, in its context, the verse speaks of devastation, it also has a hidden meaning about how it is possible to repair the situation. We fix ourselves and our “crumbled” world with the crumbs of good we do. By doing all that we can, even if it appears to amount to mere crumbs of time and energy, we are actually rectifying the world.
The process begins with our thoughts. What are we thinking about? If we have positive, joyous thoughts, we fight against Amalek, who tries to overpower us by getting us to “throw out” and waste the crumbs of the mind, the bits of mental energy that often get wasted as illicit thoughts. The joy of Purim, however, draws down a pure happiness that is like the joy of a bride and groom on their wedding day. Marriage is the holy framework for bringing children into the world. Every child has a unique way to reveal G-dliness in the world, including a unique way to be positive and happy despite the tailor-made challenges that everyone must weather throughout life.
I need to re-ignite my vitality by fighting Amalek who sneaks up on me when I feel weak. If only I really understood that the harder it is to be happy the more it’s worth! Every big challenge is overcome through an accumulation of small crumbs of spirituality. Sometimes it all depends on what I think, because my thoughts determine my mood. I will be happy on Purim and all year long by valuing every small step of spiritual progress. This way, I will remain positive and not allow fatigue to drain me. Making that choice is itself so very precious.