1 month ago

It’s Time to Talk About: What Haman Understood And So Should We

Op-ed by Rabbi Gershon Avtzon • One of those things is a simple ״קלאץ קשׁיא״ in regards to the Yom Tov Purim. We all know that Haman got so excited when the lottery came out in the month of Adar. Why? The Gemara tells us that”When the lot [cast by Haman] fell on the month of Adar he greatly rejoiced, saying: ‘The lot has fallen for me upon the month of Moses’ death.’” • Full Article

By Rabbi Gershon Avtzon

Firstly “Lchaim!” (number 1) to each and every one of you that is joining this (published) Farbrengen in the honor of Purim. May there to truly be “ליהודים היתה אורה ושמחה וששן ויקר” for all of Klal Yisroel with the revelation of the Rebbe MH”M Now!

There are so many things that we learn as children; and hear hundreds of times, that we simply take at face-value and do not even question at all. Then somebody comes and asks a very simple question – א ״קלאץ קשׁיא״ – and we get all confused and can’t believe that we never thought of the question before.One of those things is a simple ״קלאץ קשׁיא״ in regards to the Yom Tov Purim. We all know that Haman got so excited when the lottery came out in the month of Adar. Why? The Gemara tells us that”When the lot [cast by Haman] fell on the month of Adar he greatly rejoiced, saying: ‘The lot has fallen for me upon the month of Moses’ death.’”

There is an obvious question: Every child knows that the month of “Av” is the saddest month of the year. That is the month that the Torah states clearly – the only recorded date of passing in the Torah! – that Aharaon Hakohein passed away and it is obviously the month that the two Batei Mikdash were destroyed. If so, and obviously Haman knew all of the above, why was he “greatly rejoiced” about the fact that the lottery came out in the month of Adar and not upset that the lottery did not come out in the month of Av?!

This obvious and simple question was asked by the Rebbe during the Farbrengen of Shabbas Pasrhas Teruma 5743. The Rebbe’s answer (Hisvaadus 5743 volume 2 page 1001) demands another “Lchaim” (number 2) and I will try to explain it in simple words: Haman understood something so deep that most Jewish people don’t even understand. While the death of Aharon and the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash (twice!) is obviously sad and terrible, the Jewish people – as a people – can survive without a Beis Hamikdash. As proof: We have survived the past 2000 years without a beis Hamikdash. There is only one thing that the Jewish people can’t survive without in this word: A Moshe Rabbeinu!

Moshe Rabbeinu – and the Moshe in every generation – is not just the leader and teacher of the generation. Moshe Rabbeinu represents that essence of the Jewish people. The “Passing of Moshe” – which means that the essence of the Jewish people no longer exists – represents the ultimate destruction of the Jewish people. That is why Haman was so happy. So where did Haman go wrong? That is for a whole separate Farbrengen on the eternal life of Moshe Rabbeinu! (Od chazon “lemoed)!

This is something that we all have to think about and internalize: Do we realize that OUR Moshe Rabbeinu is connected to our essence? Do we understand that the only way to defeat Haman and Amalek – which exist in every generation – is through connecting to our Moshe Rabbeinu?

Please say another “Lchaim” (number 3) and allow me to share a fascinating story. I heard this story from Rabbi Shlomo Sternberg (Menahel of Yeshiva Gedolah Chovivei Torah) who heard it directly from his grandfather – the legendary Chassid – Rabbi Zalman Gurary.

When Rabbi Guray was a bochur, he was once asked by the Frierdike Rebbe to take the place of the Frierdike Rebbe secretary for a short period of time. Part of the responsibilities included managing the people that were scheduled to come into Yechidus.

One night, in the middle of the time allotted for Yechidus, the Frierdike Rebbe told him to tell the people that he is stopping to receive people in Yechidus that night and they should return the next night. Everyone left besides one older Chassid that insisted that he must see the Rebbe tonight. After being told that it is not possible, the Chassid begged Reb Zalman to tell the Frierdike Rebbe that it is a matter of “Pikuach Nefesh – life and death”!

Reb Zalman went into the Frierdike Rebbe’s room and gave over the message. The Frierdike Rebbe smiled and told Reb Zallman to ask the elder Chassid to explain to him the Pikuach Nefesh situation. The Chassid hesitated at first, but then blurted out: “I am beginning to have “Sfeikos B’Emunah” – doubts in my faith!

The Frieridike Rebbe allowed the Chassid to enter and Reb Zalman observed the following scene. The Chassid opened the door, looked at the holy face of the Rebbe and ran out. Reb Zalman chased down the Chassid and asked why – after all his pestering to enter Yechidus – he did not even go in!? The Chassid responded: I came because I had questions about my faith in the Hashem. By seeing the holy face of the Rebbe, while I did not receive answers to my questions, I no longer have any questions!

My fellow Chassidim! Hiskashrus to the Rebbe is not optional or a bonus to our Yiddishkeit, it is connected to our essence. The Rebbe removes all the doubts that we may have and it is our job to remove any doubt if there is a Rebbe today!

Lchaim (for the 4th and final time)!

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Rabbi Gershon Avtzon is the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati and a well-sought-after speaker and lecturer. Please feel free to share your thoughts on the above by sending me a R’ Avtzon email: [email protected]

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