Shushan Purim
„Those who commemorate the cities walled since the days of Joshua son of Nun cannot remain the servants of Ahasuerus.”From Meged Yerachim, Adar
Why do we not recite Hallel on Purim? The Gemara in Megillah (14a) explains: “We are still the servants of Ahasuerus.” Despite the miracle of the rescue, we remained in exile under foreign rule; the joy was not complete. When Ezra ascended to the land, most of the people preferred to remain in exile, not understanding the power inherent in living in the Land of Israel. Rav Kook teaches us that those who commemorate the cities of the Land of Israel walled since the days of Joshua son of Nun connect themselves to the holiness of the land. In our land we are not “servants of Ahasuerus” but servants of God, and here Purim receives a deep meaning of true freedom and of renewal.
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A dear friend of mine is in a serious condition in the hospital; please join in the recitation of Psalms for his recovery:
From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.