When miracles look like politics | Torah

In years when there are two months of Adar (a Jewish leap year), a fascinating question arises: In which Adar do we celebrate Purim?

The Talmud presents two possibilities. One opinion suggests that Purim should be celebrated in the first Adar, based on the principle of performing a mitzvah as soon as possible.

However, the accepted halacha follows a different idea: “We place one redemption next to another” (Megillah 6b). Purim is therefore observed in Adar II, immediately before Pesach, so that the redemption of Purim stands adjacent to the redemption of the Exodus.

At first glance, the first explanation seems more intuitive. We always rush to perform mitzvot. But the second explanation seems unusual – almost as if Purim and Pesach are inseparable companions.

Why is it so important that these two redemptions stand next to each other?

In both stories, the Jewish people faced destruction, a powerful empire sought to annihilate them, and the nation was miraculously saved. Yet the nature of the salvation could not have been more different.

Purim represents hidden miracles.

Nothing in the Megillah appears supernatural. Each event seems natural, yet the precise sequence is astonishing. Achashverosh throws a lavish party after believing the Jewish redemption would never come. Soon after, events unfold that lead to Esther becoming queen. Out of 127 provinces, the woman chosen is Esther – connected to Mordechai, the very man Haman despises.

Later, Haman builds a gallows intended for Mordechai.

In the end, the Megillah records that Haman himself is hanged on the very gallows he prepared.

Each individual event is plausible. But the probability of every step aligning perfectly is staggering. Purim teaches us to recognize Hashem hidden within the natural order of events.

Pesach represents the opposite: open miracles. Nature itself is overturned. The Nile turns to blood, Egypt is struck with plagues and the sea splits before the Jewish people.

Here the Divine hand is unmistakable.

The Ramban explains that remembering the Exodus throughout the year strengthens our belief that Hashem actively runs the world – not only through dramatic miracles, but through everyday events.

Perhaps this is why Purim must stand next to Pesach. The same way we see Hashem in the open miracles of Pesach, we must learn to see Him in the hidden miracles of Purim.

Today we live in a world where the Jewish people face enormous challenges. We must thank and honor those who protect Israel and risk their lives for our people. Yet at the same time we remember the One who orchestrates everything.

Purim teaches that even when miracles are hidden behind the laws of nature, they are no less Divine.

May these reflections strengthen our faith as we move from Purim to Pesach, and may we soon merit the ultimate redemption.

Rabbi Hillel Kapenstein is director of the Columbus Community Kollel and host of the KOLOT podcast.