Rabbi's Desk

It's Purim - the time we recount the miraculous circumstances that enabled our survival as a people. Thanks to Mordechai and Esther's perilous plan and Divine safeguard, eventually, things somehow fell into place. The faithful and the wicked received their just deserts. It is because of these small miracles, hidden within natural events, that we mask our identities by donning Purim costumes.

The Jewish value of Hakarat Hatov means recognizing the hidden and often overlooked wonders of nature that enable our daily existence and acknowledging the people in our lives who make it all possible and worthwhile. We do this by saying blessings and showing gratitude for the the food we eat, clothes we wear, etc. The rabbis of the Talmud even went so far as to legislate a blessing for using the bathroom (asher yatzar - see below).

As a teenage boy, I thought it quite amusing that the rabbis bothered to compose a bathroom prayer. Until last week... When my appendix burst last Shabbat and I found myself on the operating table instead of on the bima. Recovery from the surgery has been particularly uncomfortable, though I seem to be slowly on the mend. I find myself with a renewed appreciation for the blessing.

The prayer highlights the intricacies of the human body and marvels at its design. So delicate, that even a minor blockage or ulcer or infection can cause debilitating pain. That is why the rabbis thought it so important for Jewish day school children to memorize this blessing. Because it is a daily reminder how lucky we are to be able to digest our food, stand up straight, function throughout our day, and use the bathroom comfortably.

On this Purim, let us recognize the people and miraculous circumstances that allow us to celebrate together and function as individuals and collectively. Let us give thanks to the Creator of the Universe for the complexity and wonder of His perfect design.

I look forward to seeing you at the Megilah Reading at 7:00pm, Saturday night.

Shabbat Shalom & Happy Purim!

Rabbi Suson