Zechusamזכותם More
Teaching

The Miracle Hidden Within Nature

The Purim miracle came dressed in ordinary events, which is why it was called by Esther's name and why it moved Israel to accept the Torah anew with love.

A teaching ofEsther HaMalkahאסתר המלכהProfile ›

The Kedushas Levi teaches that there are two kinds of miracles. At the Yam Suf, nature itself was overturned for all to see. In the days of Mordechai and Esther, nature stayed exactly as it was, and the miracle came about inside it. His master, the Maggid of Mezritch, said that this is why she is called Esther: the miracle was hester, hidden within nature. The Berditchever adds a parable. When a king wins a battle at the head of his whole army, it is no great wonder; but when he goes into the forest alone, without his armor or soldiers, and still prevails, that is truly marvelous. When Hashem's rule, usually covered by nature, was revealed through natural events, Israel was so moved that they accepted the Torah anew out of love. That is why it is called a megillah: what had been hidden was revealed.

Source: Kedushas Levi, Kedushos for Purim, Kedushah Rishonah

Practical lessonFind the hand inside the coincidence

Most of the help we receive from Hashem looks like ordinary life: a parking spot, a job lead from a chance conversation, a delay that kept us out of trouble. Tonight, before you go to sleep, think back over your day and name one event that looked like coincidence. Say quietly, This was from You, and thank Hashem for it. Over a week, keep a short list. You will begin to read your own life the way we read the Megillah, seeing the hidden hand behind every turn.

All teachings

More teachings of Esther HaMalkah