Post date: Feb 15, 2012 2:39:0 AM
ליהודים היתה אורה ושימחה וששון ויקר
“Layehudam haysa ora v’simcha v’sason vikar”
(8:16)
On the morning of Purim, we keep our Teffilin on during the reading of the Megliah because we are told that the word “Vikar” is a reference to Teffilin. And since we are wearing Teffilin when we articulate this Pasuk (one of the Pesukim read aloud by everyone before it is read by the Chazzan), there is a Minhag to touch the Teffilin when saying that word.
In keeping on the topic of Teffilin, there are two opinions regarding the seven windings around the arm with regard to their connection to the Megilah. There is a Kabbalah that the seven windings correspond to Achashveirosh’s seven ministers, as the Pasuk says “Shiv’as hasarisim” (1:10).
According to the Shalah, the seven windings correspond to Esther’s seven maidservants, as the Pasuk says “Sheva hani’aros” (2:9).
[Zvi Fleisher @ shemayisrael.com]