Weekly Torah Portion

Before May 6th, 1954, the four-minute mile was more than an athletic record. It was a symbol of the limits of human potential. Countless athletes had tried and failed to break the four-minute mile barrier. On that historic day, Roger Bannister did what many deemed impossible: he shattered the four-minute barrier, crossing the finish line in three minutes and 59.4 seconds.

Bannister not only broke a physical record, he also shattered the psychological barriers that had confined athletes for years, triggering a fascinating ripple effect. The impossible had become possible and, in the following year, numerous athletes ran sub four-minute miles.

Purim has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love the costumes, the Mishloach Manot and the joyful celebrations. This year I approached it with a lot of uncertainty as to the correct way to celebrate amongst all the challenges the Jewish people and Israel are facing. It was a difficult Purim for many families, especially those in Israel who have lost loved ones, have families and friends who are still in captivity, or are worried about their sons or daughters fighting on the front lines. Trying to balance a normal life during a time of war is not necessarily a time for a Purim celebration – or so I thought.

But then I saw how others were getting ready to prepare and celebrate Purim, especially in Israel. My feed was full of people from all over the world being joyful, sending packages to one another, having communal Purim meals, celebrating Purim with their families – so hard to do, but so necessary.

I realized that while the celebration may be difficult or somewhat muted this year, there was a new and powerful element – celebrating in difficult times. Hamas is not able to ever conquer the Jewish spirit. This Purim showed me something deep and lasting – the innate greatness and power of the Jewish spirit, to find joy even in our darkest moments.
We can accomplish great things. We each have the power to change the world. But often we are limited by our mindset, our emotional perspective, our fear of failure. “I just can’t do it.”

This year, Purim reminded us of our individual innate greatness, how we have unlimited potential power and strength, and we can rise to the occasion if we choose to do so. Take some time and look around and see those who are celebrating amid darkness, dancing in the throes of fear. Let’s use that as a benchmark to overcome our own personal hurdles and limitations.