BE JOYFUL

 It was a distinct pleasure to hear my Rebbetzin Mimi, deliver a truly inspiring D’var Torah at a sisterhood luncheon in Boynton Beach.

Her main theme was a reflection on the uniqueness of the month of Adar, a month that emphasizes the concept of Simcha, as Chazal, states, משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה. In fact, our entire directive in life, and especially in our relationship with Hashem, can be summed up in one idea, עבדו את הי בשמחה.

She went on to discuss the impact that the Holiday of Purim, has on our agenda of life, and the affect that Mordechai and Esther played in the history of the Jewish people.

As Mimi, glowingly extolled the magnificent virtues of Mordechai, and especially Esther, as they worked harmoniously to bring salvation to the Jewish People. As she spoke I began to realize how important it was for Esther to have her story be included in the Tenach. Her main intent was a selfless one. Beyond the fact that Esther jeopardized her life to bring about the Yeshuah, she wanted her story to be recorded so that her message would reach far into the future. Her message was clear and instructive. When similar threatening situations arise and when Anti Semitism rears it’s ugly head, it is incumbent upon every Jew, to act on behalf of Jewry with whatever power they possess. No one has the right to be indifferent to the plight of our brethren when the need arises. This is the Message of Esther and her life. A life of dedication and Chesed. Her Heroism must be our Hallmark. 

Mimi emphasized that our lives are in our hands and what we do with it will determine our future. As Mordechai said to Esther “This is your hour. It was for this moment in history that you were created and you must seize the moment or the salvation will come from someone else.”

Mimi made an interesting analogy between a thermometer and a thermostat. A Thermometer measures the temperature and tells us what the climate is. Whereas, a thermostat regulates the temperature of the environment. We need to become thermostats of life, whereby we take control of our environment and our life’s situations.

As Jews we must realize that when G-D created the world, He used the word good, not perfect. He did so, purposely, to form a partnership with man to help bring about the תיקון העולם.

This lesson is brought home to all of us, by the lives of Mordechai and Esther, for they were the true partners of Hashem, and it was only through them, that the Yeshua took place.

Let us rejoice with Hashem and let us do so by involving ourselves in the enrichment of the world in which we live. 

Our world sorely needs our total involvement and complete commitment. We will then have a world of peace, of respect, of tolerance, of understanding, thereby becoming a true partner with Hashem. 

The question for every one is, are we the thermometers of life or are we the thermostats of life?