By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com Every expert is saying it.  There is a strong likelihood that Putin can invoke the use of nuclear weapons in the conflict he had started.  If he does do so, then the United States would be forced to use them as well – because if not, it would grant Putin a license to use them in numerous other conflicts. WHAT WE DO MATTERS Observant Jews know and believe that our actions and prayers do have efficacy.  When we change our actions, when we fervently daven, we can change and reverse decrees.  That is what Purim is all about. There is something that we can all try to do right now. LET’S STOP THE FIGHTING Let us stop Machlokes.  Let us stop the internal fighting and disputes among us.  If we make peace among ourselves, it can and will have ramifications elsewhere.  Globally as well. Chanukah and Purim are both important days, but Purim is extra, extra special.  On Purim we demonstrated absolute unity – achdus.  On Chanukah, we didn’t. And guess what happened on Purim?  We merited to accept Torah sh’b’al peh. THE MITZVOS OF PURIM The Mitzvos of Purim reflect this message.  Mishloach manos, enacted after Purim happened was done to maintain and promote internal shalom.  The same is true with matanos l’evyonim.  The Kriyah of the Megillah also reflects recognizing Klal Yisroel’s turnaround in Teshuvah, our unity.  The Seudah strengthens family ties and our concern for others too.  Some opinions even hold that Mishloach Manos was ordained to look out for others so that they too can have what is necessary to have a Purim Seudah. We daven three times a day for Shalom, let’s take the action necessary to make it happen – especially on Purim – the day most mesugal for unity.  If ever there was a National Shalom Day – it is Purim.  Perhaps this can be another interpretation of Yom HaKippurim – it is a day like Purim in that we can make Shalom with others. STOPPPING THE BLAMING And let’s stop the attitude of finding fault with others and blaming others. When we blame each other for things, we violate a Torah prohibition of Onaas Dvarim – verbal and emotional abuse. When we blame each other for things we shirk our role and percentage of blame in the conflict and thus squash our opportunity for Teshuvah – a gift from Hashem. When we blame others, we negate our opportunity to take and model achrayus and mesiras nefesh – the very principle that constantly saves Klal Yisroel from disaster. On Purim, Esther and Mordechai took and demonstrated achrayus for Klal Yisroel. When we blame each other for things we abnegate one of the greatest principles of the Torah – v’ahavta larayacha kamocha – loving each other like ourselves. For there is no love without reasonable and rational communication. When we blame others, we violate the Torah concept and obligation of being dan lekaf z’chus – judging others favorably. When we blame others we are abnegating the idea that each individual was created B’Tzelem Elokim in the image of the Creator – in that the Al-Mighty endowed us with Bechira – freedom of choice. We, in essence, insult the Creator of all. When we blame each other, we show […]

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