Purimfest 1946 Purimfest 1946 “The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor. And in every province, and in every city, every place where the king’s word and his decree reached, the Jews had gladness and joy.” (Esther 8:16-17) Today is Purim, which is the annual remembrance of the salvation of the Jews during the ancient Persian kingdom as recorded in the book of Esther. This is an amazing story that seems to have all the “right stuff,” including a villain (Haman), a good guy (Mordechai), a good guy who is duped by the villain (the Persian King), and of course, our lovely heroine (Esther). What is equally amazing is that God is never mentioned in our story, and yet, His fingerprints are everywhere as He works His master plan behind the scenes. He hides Himself at times…He warned the Jewish people He would do this when they strayed from Him. “But I will surely have concealed My face on that day…” (Deuteronomy 31:18) The word for concealed is “astir” and it is the same root word from which we get the name “Esther.” He is hidden, but He is there nonetheless. I will assume most of you are familiar with the story. What we’re going to talk about is one of those things you may not have ever noticed. I’m going to start with a little background. In Esther 9:5-10, we have the written record that the Jews killed their enemies, five hundred men. We then have a record of the names of Haman’s ten sons, who were also killed by hanging. Then something strange happens starting in verse 11: “That same day, the number of those killed in Shushan the capital was reported to the king. The king said to Queen Esther, “In Shushan the capital the Jews have slain and annihilated five hundred men, as well as the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces?! What is your request now? It shall be granted you. What is your petition further? It shall be fulfilled.” Esther replied, “If it pleases the king, let tomorrow also be given to the Jews who are in Shushan to act as they did today, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.” The king ordered that this be done, and a decree was distributed in Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.” (Esther 9:11-14) Why in the world would Esther request that the ten sons of Haman be hanged on the gallows when were already dead? Well, let me tell you another story. On October 1, 1946, after the Nuremburg trials, it was decided that the leaders of the Nazi party would be sentenced to death by hanging on October 16, 1946. The tribunal actually sentenced 12 men, but one was already dead. Shortly before, Hermann Goering committed suicide in his prison cell, so only ten of Hitler’s henchmen were hung. The last man to be hung was one Julius Streicher. Here is how it was reported by the International News Service: As he reached the platform Streicher cried out, Now it goes to G-d. He was pushed the last two steps to the mortal spot beneath the hangmans rope. The rope was being held back against a wooden rail by the hangman. Streicher was swung suddenly to face the witnesses and glared at them. Suddenly he screamed, Purim Fest 1946. Why in the world would he yell this? Purim is in the spring, and this was the late fall. We have a hint in Esther 9:13, in the word “tomorrow” and our sages say “There is a tomorrow that is now, and a tomorrow which is later. (Tanchuma, Bo 13 and Rashi, Shemot 13:14). Now, here’s another piece of information from the book of Esther that can only be seen in the Hebrew. Take a look at the picture I’ve posted with these comments. In the Megilla, the names of Haman’s ten sons appear very large, and look different from the rest of the scroll. It may be difficult to see for non Hebrew students, but if you look closely in the first name, “Parshandata,” there is a small letter “tav;” in the seventh name, “Parmashta” there is a small “shin,” and in the last name “Vizata” there is a small “zayin” and a large “vav.” The rabbis knew this had some meaning. What they found is the gematria value of the small letters is 707. The large “vav” stands for the 6th millennium, meaning the Hebrew year is 5707. That equates on our calendar to 1946! October 16, the day of the hanging was Hoshanah Rabbah that year, the last day of Sukkot – when the sentences for God’s judgment are carried out! Esther’s word “tomorrow” echoes down through the ages. It is interesting to note that in military tribunals like the Nuremburg trials, executions are normally done by firing squad. For some reason, they decided to hang those sentenced. What began as a mystery in Esther was solved in 1946, and her second request was finally fulfilled! History always repeats itself for those who refuse to learn from it. Today is a day that is full of rejoicing for the Jewish people. We have a saying here in Israel: “They tried to kill us, we survived, let’s eat!” If you haven’t celebrated yet, there is still time! Purim is celebrated for a second day if you live in a walled city! So, go find a walled city tomorrow, find the Jewish people, and you’re sure to happen upon a celebration of some kind with “light and gladness and joy and honor.” Blessings, and Hag Purim Sameach!
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 14:53:32 +0000
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