Weekly Torah Portion

Last week I had the opportunity to visit Las Vegas for a work retreat. Like most people, I had certain expectations—bright lights, flashing signs, and an energy that never stops. But what I didn’t expect was the breathtaking natural beauty just beyond the city.

As we hiked through Valley of Fire State Park, I was overwhelmed by the vastness of the landscape, the majesty, and the quiet stillness all around me. It was exhilarating in a way that felt real and grounding.

In contrast, the Strip, with all its dazzling lights and extravagant displays, suddenly felt shallow. What had seemed mesmerizing at first now felt like a mere distraction, a thin veil covering something far greater. The natural beauty had always been there, yet it had been hidden behind the glitzy display.

This experience made me think about Purim, which we are celebrating today. One of the defining features of the holiday is disguise—costumes, masks, and hidden identities. We even eat Hamentashen, a sweet treat with a “hidden” filling.

But in truth, Purim is all about uncovering what’s real. The entire story of the Megillah is filled with things that aren’t as they seem.

Esther, whose name comes from the Hebrew word hester (hidden), conceals her identity. Haman rises to power, appearing unstoppable, only to fall in a most unexpected way. And throughout the entire Megillah, Hashem’s name is never mentioned—yet His presence is behind every event, quietly shaping the outcome.

There’s a moment in the Megillah that captures this idea perfectly. When Mordechai urges Esther to act, he tells her: “And who knows if it was for this moment that you became queen?” (Esther 4:14)

Mordechai is telling Esther to look past the surface. It may seem like she became queen by chance, but in reality, she was placed there for a purpose. Just like the neon lights of Vegas, the external layers of life can be deceiving.

What seems powerful, exciting, or secure can be fleeting. What truly lasts is what’s beneath the surface—what Hashem orchestrates behind the scenes.

Purim reminds us to look deeper and to turn inward. The costumes and celebrations are fun, yet the real beauty of Purim is what’s hidden within it—the deep joy of recognizing that Hashem is always guiding us, even when He seems concealed.

Here’s wishing you a Purim filled with joy, meaning, and the ability to see beyond the mask.