The Spiritual Power of Purim: Why Every Prayer, Mitzvah, and Moment Matters on This Holy Day

Rabbi Elimelech Biderman compares the day of Purim to a vast treasure of diamonds and precious stones scattered in the public domain. If a person were to see diamonds lying in the street, he would certainly gather his strength and rush to collect as many of them as possible. In the same way, one should look at the days of Purim and make use of every minute to fulfill precious mitzvot.

In his lecture ahead of Purim, Rabbi Biderman brought sources from great Torah sages who emphasize the unique et ratzon , a special time of Divine favor, that exists on this day:

1. Every Jew Like the High Priest

“On this day, every Jew possesses a power similar to that of the Kohen Gadol when he enters the Holy of Holies.” ( Rabbi Yechezkel Shraga of Shinova)

2. A Time of Intensified Mercy

During Purim, Divine mercy and favor are strengthened to the highest degree. (Imrei Noam of Dzhikov)

3. Prayer Is Especially Accepted

“On Purim, even the prayer of an individual is beloved before the Holy One, and it is accepted.” (Pele Yoetz)

4. The Morning of Purim as a Special Time of Favor

The sefer Segulot Yisrael writes that it is a powerful segulah to rise early on the morning of Purim and increase prayer and supplication before Hashem for all matters: children, life, livelihood, and every personal need, as well as for one’s relatives. On this day, Divine favor is very strong, and all the worlds are filled with joy and goodwill.

5. Prayers Ascend Without Obstruction

Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac of Komarna explains in his work Nidvat Pi that on Purim every person can reach elevated spiritual levels: “We have received a tradition that during the days of Purim, even a small soul can ascend to the chamber of an exalted tzaddik without any barrier, and all prayers rise to the level of ‘Keter’ without obstruction… I received this teaching in a whisper, and I have become like one who reveals a secret out of love for Israel.”

6. A Time of Divine Favor for Everyone

The Gerrer Rebbe taught that Purim is a time of goodwill for all, a moment of ra’ava d’ra’avin , the highest level of Divine will, when each person can bring about the fulfillment of their heart’s desires through Hashem.

7. A Time for Salvation Beyond Nature

Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin explains that Purim is a day capable of bringing salvation even beyond natural order. Since the Jewish people were granted life despite a decree of death, it is an auspicious time for transformations beyond nature, even for blessing barren women with children.

8. The Importance of Torah Study on Purim

The Gemara teaches that “whoever studies Torah between the Megillah reading at night and the Megillah reading by day is assured a share in the World to Come.” The Rema rules that one should study Torah before the Purim meal.