Post date: Feb 14, 2021 5:52:53 AM
The Mitzvos of the day of Purim and the atmosphere that permeates the day all serve to bring us closer to each other and to the Shechinah, similar to what we might experience on any of the Shalosh Regalim.
In the Parsha that we just read this past Shabbos, we are commanded in the Mitzvah of Aliya l’Regel. All able-bodied men are commanded to go up to Yerushalayim for the holidays of Pesach, Shavuos and Succos to meet the Shechinah. (An assuredly inspiring event for all who with their fellows in the trip and in the experience of being together for the holiday in the Beis Hamikdash.) In fact, these days are known as “Moadim.” Although the word “Moed” is typically translated to refer to a time (ie, date), another meaning of the word is “meeting.” And the very first time the Mitzvah of Aliya l’Regel is mentioned is in Parshas Mishpatim, the section we read in shul this past Shabbos. Regarding Pesach, the first of the three Regalim it says, “Ki vo yatzasa miMitrayim v’lo yeira’u panai reikam” (for [on that day] you left Egypt, and you shall not be seen before Me empty handed) (Shemos 23:15).
R’ Nachman of Breslov tells us to look at the Roshei Teivos (leading letters) of the last 5 words in the above quoted Pasuk. These letters can be rearranged to spell the word Purim. The messages, he explains, is that the same encounter we experience with the Shechinah on a Regel/Moed can also be experienced on Purim in your own home! By uniting with other Jews, we bring Hashem closer to us, wherever we are.
[Purim: Removing the Mask, p. 26]
Posted 2/14/21