Two Sides of the Same Coin
We are praying for our lives
Yom Kippur and Purim are two sides of the same coin. Even from the names we can see the connection as Yom Kippur being a day ‘cpurim’, translated as ‘like Purim’.
On Yom Kippur we are internally focused, surrounding ourselves in spirituality as we stand in Shul like angels and abstain from eating and drinking. We do Teshuvah out of fear and awe of our King.
Conversely, we have Purim, where we immerse ourselves in physicalities; we dress up, give presents, handle money and eat, drink and be merry. Purim is the day where we connect and do teshuvah out of love for our Father.
Because Purim is the day when the Jews were freed of their death sentence, on one level they literally experienced ‘techias hameisim’ rectification of the dead. This is the power that Purim holds.
On Purim we are davening for our lives.
What kind of life do you want to lead?
What values do you want to instill in yourself, in your home?
Who do you want to surround yourself with to give you the best kind of life?
What direction do you want your life to steer towards?
What do you need to help make your life a better place?
PREPARE what you’re going to approach Hashem for.
There is an immense power to teffillah on this day. Make the most of every moment. Through the physicalities, connect to the Source of everything and beg Him for a life worth living.
Happy Purim!
From a class by Rebbetzin Miller, material from Rav Shimshon Pinkus