Post date: Feb 26, 2020 4:26:10 AM
Happy Rosh Chodesh Adar!
Despite the snowy forecast (in Chicago), it’s already two weeks past Tu b’Shvat and Adar began tonight! I’m not sure I’m feeling the Purim spirit as much as I wish I was. So, the only solution I can think of is to dive right into the Megillah!
We’ve reached a milestone. This is the 10th season of Purim Vorts!
In previous years I have generally followed the order of the Pesukim in the Megillah. I’ll be doing a bit of jumping around this year. So, hold on tight, and let’s jump in!
Josh
[Purim Vorts] Dress for success
“Sack va’eifer yutza l’rabbim”
Sackcloth and ashes were worn by all
(4:3)
Why was wearing sackcloth and ashes part of the Teshuva process along with fasting?
This was done in order to recall the merit of Avraham. One of Avraham’s ten tests involved the prospect of being thrown into a fiery furnace, but Avraham passed the test and refused to bow to the idol of Nimrod. Hashem caused a great miracle, and Avraham survived the furnace. At a later date, Avraham referred to himself as “Afar va’eifer” (dust and ashes, Bereishis 18:27). This was an acknowledgement that without Hashem’s intervention, dust and ashes would have been his outcome.
The Manos Halevi and the Rokeach explain that the wearing of sackcloth and ashes by the Jews was an attempt at recalling Avraham’s great demonstration of faith, and in turn his tremendous merit earned. The Jews were showing that just like by Avraham’s test, they were relying completely on Hashem to save them from the situation. And if not for the help of Hashem, they risked being reduced to no more than the ashes on their heads.
The Rokeach also points out that there’s an additional hint to the overall disheveled look of sackcloth in the Pasuk. The Sofei Teivos (ending letters) of the words “Sack ve’eifer yutza” (sackcloth and ashes were worn) [Kuf - Reish - Ayin] spells “Karah,” which means tear, which was the condition of the clothing they were wearing.
[Inside Purim, p. 126]