Purim – An Ongoing Phenomenon

It is well known that when Purim comes along, it’s time to put on a Purim costume.  What, however, is the reason for this tradition?

One of the reasons for masquerade on Purim is because in the story of Esther we read about Esther hiding her Jewish identity when the King chooses her for a wife.  She only reveals her Jewishness when she begs the king to save her people.  So, just as Esther concealed her identity, we too, conceal our identity and put on a costume.

There is another reason for masquerading, along the same lines.  When one reads the story of Purim one does not see any direct miracles.  In fact, in the whole Megillah (Story of Purim), G-d’s name is not mentioned even once.  Yet, is only a masquerade, since the astounding chain of occurrences that lead to the salvation of the Jewish people are a clear indication of G-d’s orchestrating the Jewish people’s survival.

When we make the blessing on the Megillah, we bless G-d “Who has performed miracles in those days at this time”.  The story of Purim was an ongoing phenomenon in Jewish history.  Many nations came very close to destroying us and were sure that they would succeed, but yet, at the last moment, G-d thwarted their plans.  In our times also, the Jewish People are threatened, but, we can rest assured that we will always be victorious and ultimately the world will be redeemed with the coming of Moshiach.