Passover & Purim: Is there a Connection?
Diametric Opposites
We have recently celebrated the holiday of Purim and are currently preparing for the holiday of Pesach – Passover. These two holidays are not only different from each other they are almost antithetical to one another.
When analyzing the two aforementioned holidays one is struck by the fact that Passover is characterized by the many miracles that our ancestors experienced at the time. G-d appeared and freed the Jews from captivity in the most miraculous way; water turns to blood, the first born die, the Read Sea splits and finally the revelation at Mt. Sinai.
Purim, on the other hand, was a mundane period for the Jewish people. No Zeus-like figure appeared from heaven to save us. The Jews had connections in the palace and they utilized them successfully. There is no question that the hand of G-d can be detected in the story but for some reason he evidently chose to bring about the miracle in a concealed manner; a manner disguised by the seemingly natural course of events.
Is it a simple coincidence that these opposite holidays were scheduled in the same period of time? As readers of this column know, everything that occurs in this world is by Divine Providence. There is a lesson to be learned and we must apply ourselves to find it.
Do it Yourself
The story is told of a poor fellow who prayed to G-d every day that he win the lottery. After years of patient prayer our man turned to G-d in desperation and cried out. “Father I am a pious person who trusts and prays, won’t you finally grant my wish”? A thunderous voice resounded from the heavens, “My son, I would love to help you but you must first buy a ticket….
We all have problems in life, both material and spiritual, and often blame G-d for our difficulties. We wish that G-d would suddenly appear from heaven and miraculously save us from our troubles. 
The holiday of Purim teaches a powerful lesson. If you want Divine intervention you must first go and help yourself.
Prayer to G-d does not suffice, we must do everything within our power to find a solution. Only when we demonstrate our sincerity to G-d does he bless our efforts and crown them with success.
But Remember G-d
Friends, there is a danger in this as well. When we are told to go out and solve our own problems we run the risk of forgetting that G-d is the one who crowned our efforts with success. We are liable to feel that we accomplished our salvation on our own, that we are the masters of our own destiny.
For this reason the holiday of Pesach comes immediately after Purim. It serves as a reminder that even when we succeed in finding our own solution it is G-d who provides the miracle that makes our solution work.
On Passover we demonstrate that G-d is the true master of the world. Pharaoh may have been the king of Egypt but he was powerless against G-d. Moses may have wanted to redeem the Jewish people but he could not accomplish it before G-d allowed him to.
Point of Reflection
The same lesson can be applied to our lives. As the Psalmist says “If the Lord does not build a house, it’s laborers labor upon it in vain; If the Lord will nor guard a city, the vigilance of its watchmen is for naught. It is in vain that you rise early and sit up late …when in fact He gives to His beloved…”
May we all merit to celebrate the holiday of Passover in the Holy City Jerusalem with Moshiach Tzidkeinu our righteous redeemer. Amen
