The festival of Purim articulates how navigating the tension between being a part of and apart from the society in which we live can help the Jewish people survive and evolve. Left unsaid, however, is the power of Jewish tradition to change other civilizations. When we succeed in making ourselves a part of, yet apart from, society, our beliefs and traditions invariably impact the society in which we live. In fact, many Reform luminaries viewed this as one of Judaism’s principal obligations.
“It is the destiny of Judaism to pour the light of its thoughts, the fire of its sentiments, the fervor of its feelings upon all souls and hearts on earth. Then all of these peoples and nations, each according to its soil and history, will, by accepting our teachings, kindle their own lights, which will shine independently and warm their souls.” (Samuel Holdheim, “This Is Our Task,” 1853)
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent is the 40-day period of fasting and spiritual devotion observed by many Christians leading up to Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus. Jewish tradition continues to influence both the ritual and spiritual practices surrounding these significant Christian observances.
The 40-day period of spiritual preparation for Easter parallels the 40-day period of t’shuvah, repentance and spiritual preparation, that begins on the first of Elul and lasts until Yom Kippur. Meanwhile, on Ash Wednesday, churchgoers receive ashes on their foreheads reminiscent of the ancient Jewish practice of wearing sackcloth and ashes as a sign of repentance. The Book of Esther, which we will read on Purim, alludes to both traditions. In response to Haman’s decree to annihilate the Jews, Mordechai dons sackcloth and ashes, while Esther instructs the Jewish community to fast for three days in preparation for her approach before the king, a fast we commemorate through Ta’anit Esther, a one-day fast leading up to the evening of Purim.
As we prepare to celebrate our people’s survival, our Christian neighbors prepare to honor their messiah’s death and resurrection with similar practices that echo similar values; illustrating the power of our tradition to influence the traditions of others and prompting us to consider how we may highlight the parallels between our traditions to craft more meaningful partnerships, allowing Judaism to leave a more lasting impact upon the world.
—Rabbi Josh Knobel