After the miracle of Purim and the downfall of the wicked Haman, the Megillah—the scroll containing the story of Esther—describes the joy of the Jewish people with the words: "And for the Jews there was light, gladness, rejoicing, and honor."¹ The Gemara² explains that this verse alludes to four commandments that Haman decreed should not be observed, and when his decree was annulled, the Jews could observe them without fear: "Light" refers to the Torah, "gladness" refers to the biblical festivals, "rejoicing" refers to the commandment of circumcision, and "honor” refers to the Tefillin.
Each of these four precepts is characterized as a sign—an emblem (of the special bond) between the people of Israel and the Most High. That was precisely the reason why the wicked Haman decreed against their observance, since he could not bear the uniqueness of the Jewish people, which is reflected in their special bond with the Most High."
THE PECULIARITY OF THESE INSIGNIA
It was to be expected that the precepts that serve as a sign between the people of Israel and Hashem would be those without parallel among other nations, thus highlighting the unique character of the Jewish people. However, in reality, all these precepts mentioned have similar practices among other peoples as well.
The Torah, words of wisdom and understanding, is also found in other nations. Festivals and commemorative dates are part of the practices of all peoples. Circumcision—many non-Jews are also circumcised. Tefillin—many peoples customarily wear a special insignia that identifies the people or tribe to which they belong. The question then arises: how do these signs express the specific distinctiveness of the Jewish people?
HOLINESS IN THE MATERIAL REALM
But it is precisely here that the uniqueness of the Jewish people finds its expression. In areas where there is no resemblance whatsoever between what is Jewish and what is not, there is no need for a sign to mark the difference. The sign is specifically required where, at first glance, there appears to be a similarity—an aspect shared with other peoples—and it is there that the signs mark what is Jewish.
WHAT IT TELLS US
Torah: In other nations, the concept of 'Torah' might be understood as wisdom and logic, while for Jews, the essence of Torah lies in its transcendence of logic. The Torah, given by God at Mount Sinai, is by definition the Wisdom of the Most High, entirely superior to human logic and reason.
The joy of the festivities: the conventional definition of what joy and celebration is goes hand in hand with unrestrained behavior and giving free rein to instincts, while in Judaism, true joy leads to greater devotion to Hashem.
Circumcision: Maimonides4 explains that circumcision weakens the desire for earthly pleasures, and therefore, circumcision would tend to generate discontent. But among the Jews, circumcision is a cause for rejoicing, as it is written, "I rejoice in Your word,"5 the term "rejoicing" referring to circumcision.
Tefillin: It is a universal practice that identifying badges and symbols are chosen for their beauty and attractiveness, while we Jews dress in Tefillin which consists of small black leather boxes with black straps, only inside them is written "Hear O Israel, Hashem our God, Hashem is One"6.
This is the distinctive characteristic of the Jewish people, and that is why these precepts are their identifying mark.
(Likutei Sichot Volume 3, Page 916)
NOTES: 1.Esther 8:16 2.Megillah 16,b 3.Chidushei Agadot Maharsha there 4.Moré Nevuchim Part 8, Cap.35 and Cap. 49 5.Tehillim 119:162 6.Devarim 6:4