Rabbi's Musings

The Power of Hidden Miracles

Purim—later this week—is a unique holiday in the Jewish calendar because it celebrates a miracle that is hidden within natural events. Unlike the Exodus from Egypt, where open miracles like the splitting of the Red Sea took place, the Purim story unfolds through seemingly ordinary political and personal decisions. Yet, when we step back, we see that God was guiding the entire process behind the scenes.

One of the central themes of Purim is hiddenness. This is reflected in the fact that God’s name is not mentioned even once in the Book of Esther. However, the divine presence is felt throughout the story—from Queen Vashti’s downfall to Esther’s rise to power, from Haman’s plot to the Jewish people’s triumph. The message is clear: Even when we don’t see open miracles, God is still involved in our lives, orchestrating events for our ultimate good.

This lesson is especially relevant today. Many times, we may feel like God is absent or that our struggles are meaningless. Purim reminds us to look deeper—to recognize the hidden miracles in our lives and to trust that even in difficult times, there is a divine plan at work.

Another important lesson of Purim is Jewish unity. When faced with danger, the Jewish people united in prayer, fasting, and repentance. Their unity was a key factor in their survival, and it teaches us the importance of standing together as a community.

As we celebrate Purim, let us remember these deeper lessons: to seek God’s presence in our everyday lives, to trust in God’s hidden miracles, and to embrace the strength of Jewish unity.