Purim: Removing The Mask

Of all the masks we may encounter over the course of Purim, the most intriguing is the one worn by Purim itself… On the one hand, Purim commemorates and celebrates the miracle that Hashem performed for the Jewish People at the time. In this retrospective sense, it "faces backwards." On the other hand, however, it also "faces forwards" in the sense that it provides a vision toward the future. It contains many messages that reveal extremely profound concepts and fundamental truths…the festival of Purim is a time when these ideas can be encountered, accessed, and absorbed anew. Ultimately, these two different "directions" do not conflict with each other, for the day of Purim is not just a historical event; it is an ongoing presence in the Jewish calendar and in its national experience. Behind the feasting and merriment which accompany the day of Purim lie some of the most profound and meaningful ideas of Judaism. Drawing on a fascinating array of sources, renowned teacher and author Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein (author of the bestselling Teshuva, Aggadah, and Darkness to Destiny Haggadah) guides the reader on an eye-opening journey towards a deeper appreciation of the Jewish people's most colorful festival. Approbations: "It is known that the festival of Purim is both concealed and exalted, its laws and customs are hidden and mystifying. In this unique sefer, the author explains the essence of the day as well as the avodah which accompanies it." Harav Osher Weiss "I thank you for this major contribution to the appreciation of Purim… I urge everyone to make use of this tool to enhance the Purim Day." Harav Yisroel Reisman About the Author: Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein was born and raised in London, learned in Yeshivas Ateres Israel in Jerusalem, and received his rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Chaim Walkin. Rabbi Bernstein currently teaches in Yeshivas Machon Yaakov, Jerusalem, as well as various seminaries, and gives regular shiurim on Chumash and Talmud which are open to the public. He is the author of the best-selling Darkness to Destiny: The Haggadah Experience, Aggadatah, and Teshuva (all from Mosaica Press) and lives in Jerusalem with his wife and five children.