Rabbi Roodyn

Prime Minister Netanyahu, with his keen sense of awareness of Jewish history invoked the Purim story to President Putin in order to enlist his support in stopping the military threat from Iran. Not surprisingly, Putin, a hard-nosed realist, rejected the comparison out of hand, saying that the events of 2,500 years ago have no bearing on today’s geopolitical reality. What is more surprising was the cheeky response from Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif reminding Israel that it was in fact an Iranian (Persian) king, Achashverosh who was responsible for saving the Jews!

On a certain level they are all making valid points. Of course one cannot draw direct comparisons between Shushan and Tehran, although the similarities are indeed frightening and yes it’s true that ultimately the salvation of world Jewry came about through Achashverosh’s second set of letters empowering the Jews to stand up for their lives.

But we Jews have our own way of looking at history, as evidenced from the Megilla itself.  As is well known, the main character is in fact missing from the Megilla. The Almighty’s Hand can be seen the whole way through the story, but His name is not present, mentioned only in subtle hints. If we choose to ignore it, we can still enjoy and appreciate the intrigue and suspense woven through the epic and captivating story. But if we choose to see it, each individual episode is an integral part of a master plan, sowing the seeds of salvation even before tragedy has struck. Megillas Esther therefore encapsulates the theme of Purim, to reveal that which is hidden.

This Shabbos as a prelude to Purim,  we read parshas Zachor, with its eternal imperative to remember the events of a battle that took place some 3,300 years ago. Again, when viewed superficially, this was a minor desert skirmish, a failed ambush on a nation marching to freedom. However, Jewish consciousness imbues this event with major significance. This wasn’t a minor incident, this was a conflict between two world views that has endured ever since. This is war between those who see the world as being a collection of random events, to be dealt with via realpolitik (a system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations) and those who see the guiding Hand bringing the world to its ultimate destiny.

The point about zikaron, memory is that it is personal. No one can tell me what to remember and how to remember it. Jewish life is full of memories, not out of a love of nostalgia, wistful sentiments for a bygone era, but rather because memory impacts the present and more importantly the future. As the well-known quote goes, ‘Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.’ Or as Akavia Ben Mahalalel in Pirkei Avos, ‘Know from where you came, where you are going, and before whom you are destined to give a judgement and accounting.’

The imperative to remember is crucial for our own and our national identity. If we don’t remember events as we understand them, then we are left with the likes of Putin and Zarif to reinterpret history to suit their own agendas. Zachor! Remember, make it part of your consciousness and let it inform your decisions.