Shhhhh...

By Adam Rosenthal
Washington University in St. Louis ‘02

Every Purim I have the same dilemma: what should I wear? Last year, amid midterms and rushing to catch a flight, I didn't have much time to consider the options. I think I settled on a colorful Egyptian cap, a gift from my sister.

My friends were a bit more spirited. One dressed as an alien from the planet "Green," with matching face paint, hair dye, antennae, shirt and skirt. Another came as a princess-superhero, with lasso, mask, and appropriate emblems and accoutrements.

In Billy Joel's song, "The Stranger," he sings, "we all have a face that we hide away forever, and we take them out and show ourselves when everyone has gone." Each of us has emotions, thoughts and aspirations which we conceal on a daily basis. We hide these parts of ourselves by presenting others with a prepared image. We wear masks, denying others, and sometimes even ourselves, a glimpse of the vulnerable "stranger."

Purim is rife with references to this theme. In the Megillah itself, we read of Esther's veiling her Judaism and Haman's cloaking his anti-Semitism. Humble Mordekhai is presented to the public in regal garb, while Bigthan and Teresh, disguised as servants of Ahasuerus, conspire to do away with the king. In the name Esther, we find the Hebrew word seter, secret. And though God is not explicitly mentioned in the Megillah, the Rabbis sense the Divine, concealed in the recurring references to "the King" (in context, King Ahasuerus).

In addition to the tradition of wearing costumes, the presence of alcohol speaks to our theme of secrecy. In the Talmud, noting that the words have equivalent numerical values, Rabbi Chiyya teaches, "yayin (wine) enters, sod (secret) exits" (Eruvin 65a, Sanhedrin 38a). No doubt, alcohol can bring out our "unmasked" selves.

Similarly, our Purim costumes not only disguise, but also reveal. Our costumes demonstrate our aspirations and emotions, showing how we might act, given the opportunity to emerge from our "shells." My friend's alien costume not only revealed her nutty and fun-loving personality (often hidden by her traditional dress and demeanor), but also her inner feelings of alienation. Likewise, the princess-superhero costume demonstrated an enthusiasm toward helping others and a fondness for youthful simplicity and purity. This dualistic hide/reveal message of Purim is hinted at in the Megillah with the term "venahaphokh hu." "...When the enemies of the Jews had expected to get them in their power, the opposite happened, and the Jews got their enemies in their power" (Esther 9:1).

The contrast between image and reality begs the question: by what is one judged? By actions, intentions, or nature? Certainly, intent devoid of action is meaningless. The Rabbis teach us, "’The wicked are filled with evil,’ this refers to someone who says one thing but means another; moreover, the Holy One Blessed be God calls that person an abomination, lying speech is an abomination to the Lord'" (Midrash Mishlei 12:21-22).

Too often we are quick to judge a person by his or her nature. Though someone may be inclined toward evil or hurtful things, we are still obligated by the words of Yehoshua ben Prachya, "judge everyone favorably" (Mishnah Avot 1:6). We must help that individual overcome the evil inclination by responding positively to negativity, throwing water on the flames, rather than oil.

A person is not judged by their inclinations, but rather by their reactions to those inclinations. The more accomplished performer is not the one with the most talent, but the one who has worked the hardest to achieve their level of success. We cannot blame others for their natural tendencies. Instead we should assist them in fighting these impulses. Our inclinations are not long hidden or suppressed. Unless we unabashedly fight our weaknesses, in the heat of a passionate moment or under intoxicating influence, the "stranger" will surface and cause irreparable damage.

Ultimately, all secrets are revealed; Esther will proclaim her Jewishness and Haman will receive his punishment. Let us hope that when our moments of truth come, we will have already purified our hearts.

[Posted 2/20/02]