Purim and the Acceptance of the Torah with Love: Teachings from Rav Gershon Edelstein

Rabbi Gershon Edelstein who was the Rosh Yeshivat Ponevezh and President of the Council of Torah Sages of Degel HaTorah, shared several profound insights about the deeper spiritual meaning of Purim and its connection to the acceptance of the Torah.

What Does It Mean That the Torah Was Accepted “Under Compulsion” at Sinai?

Rabbi Edelstein explained that our Sages teach that the Torah was accepted at Mount Sinai with an element of coercion. The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) describes how God “held the mountain over them like a barrel” and said: “If you accept the Torah, it is good; if not, there will be your burial place.”

The commentators clarify that this was not literal physical coercion, but rather, an intellectual one. The Jewish people understood through reason and clarity that accepting the Torah was the right path and the key to a meaningful and fulfilled life. Their acceptance came primarily from intellectual recognition and reverence, not from deep love of God. The “mountain held over them” represents the compelling force of truth that the human mind could not deny.

Rabbi Edelstein emphasized that this description does not apply equally to every individual. Certainly, great leaders such as Moshe Rabbeinu and Aharon HaKohen accepted the Torah with genuine love. Yet for much of the nation, the acceptance was based mainly on understanding that it was worthwhile and necessary, rather than arising from pure love.

What Changed on Purim?

According to the Talmud, Purim marked a turning point. The verse “The Jews fulfilled and accepted” (Esther 9:27) is interpreted to mean that they reaccepted what they had already received at Sinai. Rashi explains that this renewed acceptance came from love, inspired by the miracle that saved them.

Rabbi Edelstein taught that the events of Purim awakened a profound love of God among the Jewish people. They began to observe Torah not merely because it was beneficial or logical, but because of a deep emotional connection and gratitude. The miracle transformed their relationship with Torah from obligation into devotion.

Serving God for Personal Benefit: What Is Its Spiritual Level?

The rabbi addressed a subtle spiritual question: What is the level of someone who performs mitzvot for personal gain, even spiritual gain?

The Talmud (Pesachim 8a) states that one who gives charity so that his child will live or so that he will merit the World to Come is considered a complete righteous person. Yet Rabbi Edelstein noted that such a person is called a “tzaddik,” not a “chasid.” Acting because it is beneficial is valid and praiseworthy, but it still contains an element of self-interest. The highest level of service comes from pure love of God, beyond personal gain.

As Purim is a time when the Jewish people accepted the Torah out of love, this spiritual influence returns every year. Purim carries a unique Heavenly assistance that enables a person to strengthen their love of God and deepen their connection to Torah.

Each generation, and each individual, can tap into this special spiritual energy and renew their own acceptance of Torah — not from fear or calculation, but from heartfelt love.