Unity Mishloach Manot

Rav Eytan weisz

 

Every Jewish celebration, along with the holidays in the Hebrew calendar, is distinguished by the imperative to spread joy to others, particularly to those who are poor or experiencing sadness, ensuring that they too partake in the festivities.

Yet, on Purim, there exists a unique virtue absent from other holidays—the exchange of gifts: "They were to observe them as days of feasting and joy and as an occasion for sending gifts to one another and presents to the poor" (Esther 9:22). Mishloach Manot is not solely for the benefit of the poor; it extends to friends, relatives, and acquaintances. This mitzvah is designed to foster brotherhood and friendship.

Why emphasize this particularly on Purim?

When Haman approached the king with his proposal to annihilate the Jews, he added elucidating words: "There is one people scattered and divided among the nations" (Esther 3:8). His words harbored a deeper intention. Recognizing the lack of unity among the people of Israel at that time, Haman understood that only when cracks appeared in the wall of unity could he attempt to exploit these vulnerabilities.

This may also explain the hatred towards Israel throughout generations, represented at an extreme in the malevolent figure of Haman. When Mordechai refused to kneel or bow to Haman, the latter's anger extended beyond Mordechai alone: "Because they told him about Mordechai's people" (ibid. 3:6).

Haman's desire to obliterate all Jews emanated from the perception that they constituted a cohesive unit, where individual actions were inseparable from the collective. When seeking revenge against Mordechai, he believed he had to annihilate the entire nation, God forbid. However, Haman failed to anticipate that his decree would unearth the latent seeds of unity within Israel. The impending danger caused these inner bonds to sprout and surface: "To assemble and fight for their lives" (ibid. 8:11).

The Jews united, shouted with one heart, and their collective plea was answered. The threat dissipated, and the decree was rescinded. To cleanse the poisoned atmosphere of evil sown by Haman's letters, an abundance of peace, kinship, and brotherhood was required.

The peril that loomed over the Jewish people brought forth a profound sense of kinship. To ensure these sentiments endure and leave an indelible mark, Mordechai and Esther established the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot. Unity serves as the safeguard against the recurrence of a Haman-like phenomenon. Contemplating unity is insufficient; ideas must be translated into practical commandments. Thus, the mitzvah of delivering Mishloach Manot draws the concept closer to the hearts of the people.

When the people stand united, the nations of the world lose their influence, paving the way for complete redemption. Even in our time, the unity that emerged during the war starting on Simchat Torah generated a profound solidarity across all segments of society. The entire nation recognized a shared destiny.

Individuals and communities voluntarily contributed, numerous donations poured in for the army, families opened their homes to evacuees, and a united government emerged. Our responsibility is to maintain and perpetuate this unity. Just as the war began on Simchat Torah, with hashem's help, we will conclude it triumphantly and joyfully.