The Spiritual Meaning of Purim: Faith, Trust, and Hidden Miracles

Faith in Divine Providence
The purpose and essence of Purim is to firmly instill faith in individual Divine providence , even in times of concealment, when darkness still seems to surround a person. “As it must be publicized and revealed: this is the very essence of the day — to believe that everything is conducted under precise and meticulous Divine supervision.”

Placing One’s Trust Entirely in God
This is why Purim is named after the pur (lot). “The concept of the lot teaches that one nullifies one’s own calculations, completely removes personal reasoning and planning, and casts one’s entire trust solely upon Hashem.”

Erasing Amalek
Ethical works explain that the mitzvah of erasing Amalek on Purim and on Shabbat Zachor is not limited to a single day, but applies throughout the entire year. Each person is tasked with uprooting his own inner ‘Amalek’ — the evil inclination within, and implanting love and awe of the Creator in his heart.

As it is written: “ For I will surely erase ” — it is not enough to erase Amalek temporarily, but the erasure must be continuous and enduring, returning again and again. Since the war against Amalek alludes to the struggle against the evil inclination, a person must remain constantly vigilant. The strength to stand firm in this battle is granted on Purim.

Reading the Megillah
The Minchat Elazar of Munkatch explained the Mishnah’s statement: “One who reads the Megillah retroactively has not fulfilled his obligation.” The word retroactively ( le-mafre’a ) can also mean “as a repayment.” One who reads the Megillah merely to discharge his obligation — to remove the burden of the mitzvah from his shoulders, without heartfelt awakening and contemplation of God’s kindness to His people, has not fulfilled his duty. He misses the primary purpose of the reading: to reflect deeply on the Divine kindness bestowed upon the Jewish people through precise individual providence. Only through such contemplation does one truly fulfill the mitzvah.

Mishloach Manot
Purim is especially auspicious for the blessing of offspring. In the name of the Chozeh of Lublin , it is taught that the Holy One, blessed be He, fulfills the mitzvah of mishloach manot by giving “a man” children “to his fellow” — namely, to Israel.

Gifts to the Poor (Matanot La’Evyonim)
The Shulchan Aruch rules: “We are not exacting with Purim charity; anyone who extends his hand is given.” Because we observe this law, the Holy One, blessed be He, forgives and pardons the sins of every individual — whatever his condition, provided he extends his hand to receive forgiveness. Then Heaven does not scrutinize whether his intentions are perfect or his understanding complete.

The Purim Feast
The Purim feast is a time of immense Divine favor. Concerning Esther’s banquet it is said: “The king said to Esther at the wine feast: What is your request, and it shall be granted to you.” Our sages explain that it is a special spiritual opportunity to make requests of Hashem during the Purim meal, a uniquely favorable time for prayers to be fulfilled.

Happy Purim!