The Joy of Celebrating with Others

Jewish holidays have always included the idea that celebration goes beyond the immediate household to include all of society.  The book of Deuteronomy delineates that the celebration should include “you, your son, your daughter, your slave, your maidservant, the Levite, the convert, the orphan and the widow who are in your cities (Deuteronomy 16:14).”  True rejoicing occurs when everyone has a place in the societal enjoyment of the festivals.

In today’s Jewish communities, inter-relational celebration is especially experienced during the upcoming holiday of Purim.  Purim celebrates the Jewish survival described in the book of Esther.  The particulars of how to celebrate are clearly laid out.

The book of Esther states, “Mordechai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, the near ones and the distant ones; they are to observe annually the 14th day of the month of Adar and its 15th day as days on which the Jews found relief from their enemies and the month which had been turned about for them from one of sorrow to gladness, and from mourning to festival.  They are to observe them as days of feasting and gladness, sending food to one another, and gifts to the poor. (Chapter 9:20-22)”

Celebrating holidays in a societal way is an expression of a fundamental principle of happiness and joy.  There is an adage In Ethics of our Fathers which notes that a person who is rich is someone who is content with his portion.  I recently read an article on parenting which described how, in order to teach children the value of money and objects, a parent needs to work hard on not actively pursuing the newest and the best things.  Rather, one should work toward being satisfied with what one already has, not always running out immediately to buy the latest gadget or item even if one has the financial means to make those purchases.  It is further incumbent upon the parent to verbalize a commitment to being satisfied in the face of pressure to keep up with society.  Similarly, when we work to include others at our table and make the effort to ensure that everyone is able to partake, we are able to exemplify the idea that what we have is not just for our own use.

The book of Esther also challenges the reader in the same manner when Mordechai persuades Queen Esther that she must confront her husband, King Ahasuerus, about Haman’s evil decree to wipe out all the Jews of the Persian Empire.  Esther expresses doubt as to whether she should approach the king to rescind the decree.  In responding to this doubt, Mordechai states, “and who knows whether it was just for such a time as this that you attained the royal position (4:14).”

 We are not always privy to the whys of life.  The mandate of celebration with all of society is perhaps meant to remind people, “it was just for such a time” that we have the means and the ability to uplift those who otherwise do not have the means to celebrate.

As we celebrate Purim, may we remember that true celebration comes from a place of giving and may we find joy in bringing joy to others.

Rabbi Bryan Kinzbrunner is the campus chaplain for The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living  is comprised of The Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence which includes Jaffa Gate Memory care neighborhood, The Martin and Edith Stein Hospice, The David T. Wilentz Senior Residence, Wilf Transport, Wilf At Home, and The Foundation. For more information contact us at 732-568-1155, info@wilfcampus.org or visit us at www.wilfcampus.org.