By Rabbi Howard Morrison
One of the themes in Megillat Esther is found in the word, ‘Nahafoch,’ meaning ‘turned around.’ Haman planned to wipe out the Persian Jewish community. The Jewish people were victims to an evil genocidal design. Haman’s propaganda seemed to motivate his people.
By the end of the story, a miracle took place. The propaganda failed. Haman’s attempt to hang Mordecai was completely turned around. Instead, Haman suffered the fate he intended for others. The Jewish people were saved, and the most joyous Jewish holiday was established.
Purim will be celebrated in a couple of weeks. The Jewish president of Ukraine may be likened to Mordecai, standing up to pure evil, while Putin may be likened to Haman.
As the world responds, we can only hope and pray for ‘Nahafoch,’ that which the despot intends to do to the innocent will be turned around, and speedily.
May the season of Purim become a miraculous deliverance for all innocent peoples who suffer from the hands of a despicable tyrant.