It seems unbelievable, but current world events show us how the story of Purim is repeating itself. 2372 years ago, the wicked minister of King Ahasuerus, Haman, issued a decree to exterminate the Jewish people.
But why did they deserve destruction? Our sages say that the Jewish people are like a sheep among 70 wolves (the other nations). Great is the shepherd (God) who protects them. Now, what would happen if the sheep were to forgo the shepherd's services and entrust its protection to one of the wolves? Of course, it would end up being eaten…
The same thing happened in the story of Purim. The Jewish people "disregarded" God and relied on the king of the world at that time, Ahasuerus. It wasn't long before the decree to destroy the Jews appeared…
The same thing is happening today: the president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, is loudly proclaiming his desire to destroy Israel. Meanwhile, he's preparing his nuclear program to carry out his plan. And what are we doing? We wait for UN Security Council resolutions, to see what the United States thinks, what the political and social difficulties are within the European Union, and how much money Russia hopes to make from selling arms to Arab countries. If our lives end up on the agenda of all these figures on the world political stage, fine; and if not…
In the story of Purim, Mordechai and Esther took action. They prayed, gathered children to study Torah, fasted, and sought to renew the contract with the Shepherd. Thanks be to God, they succeeded, and today we tell the story and celebrate.
We must take a stand in what is happening. Each according to our means. Increase our observance of mitzvot, study more Torah, bring others closer to God. The weapons of struggle are the same today as they were thousands of years ago. It's a matter of action.
The great mystery of Purim. All praise for every word of wisdom, Rabbi.