Saved at the Last Moment: The Miracle of Mordechai Purim

The Jews of Mazybuz in Ukraine have a tradition of celebrating each year on the twelfth of Tevet a day known as “Mordechai Purim” marking the miraculous escape from a massacre planned by the wicked Chmiel.

During the great Cossack uprising led by Bohdan Khmelnytsky against the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth, horrific atrocities were committed against Jewish communities throughout Ukraine. These events later became known in Jewish history as the Gezeirot Tach veTat.

As the rebels swept through Volhynia and Podolia, attacking and destroying Jewish communities, fear spread to the nearby town of Mazybuz. When the Cossacks also rampaged through the neighboring city of Drazhno, the Jews of Mazybuz understood that their town would likely be next.

A Desperate Refuge

In a desperate attempt to save themselves, all the Jews of Mazybuz fled on the eleventh of Tevet to a large palace at the entrance of the city. They fortified the building and prepared it for defense. Surrounding the palace was a deep ditch filled with water from the Bug River, creating a natural barrier. The Jews removed the bridge connecting the palace to the city and sealed the gates.

That night, on the eve of the twelfth of Tevet, the bitter Ukrainian cold intensified and the waters of the surrounding river froze. By morning, the rebels saw that the frozen surface now allowed them to cross and advance toward the palace.

Tears, Prayer, and Courage

In their distress, the Jews remembered the words of the sages: “Even if a sharp sword rests upon a person’s neck, one should not despair of mercy,” and that “the gates of tears are never locked.” They gathered within the palace and poured out heartfelt prayers, confessions, and pleas to Heaven.

Among them were two simple Jews named Mordechai and Esther. They resolved to act. Mounting two horses and armed with nothing but drums, they rode boldly toward the approaching attackers. As they neared the Cossacks, they began beating the drums with great force and intensity. Startled by the sound, the rebels fled in panic, convinced that a large Polish army was advancing against them.

A Miracle Remembered

Through this courageous act and Divine mercy, the Jews of Mazybuz were saved.

In gratitude for the miracle that occurred on the twelfth of Tevet 1648, the community established this date as a day of joy and thanksgiving. It became known as “Mordechai Purim,” named for the two individuals whose bravery helped bring salvation to the city.