With Purim in the rearview mirror for the year 5786, most of us have put away our costumes, and eaten all our Hamantaschen. But perhaps the messages we read in the Book of Esther will stay with us a bit longer. For a day or two, we delighted in hiding ourselves- beneath masks, robes, glitter, and fun. Yet, the story we read at Purim reminds us that all of this represents a deeper hiding. Yes, the hiding that Esther practiced when she concealed her identity as a Jew when she first arrived in the palace, but also the hidden nature of God throughout the story. In fact, throughout the entire Megillah, God’s name is never mentioned.
Perhaps that hiddenness can resonate with us right now. There so much going on in our world- war, fear, and pain, that we might want to hide away ourselves- our passions, our hopes, and our identities. And without the dramatic miracles, like the splitting of the sea, or the burning bush, we may also feel God is hidden. It is natural to despair and turn away in these moments.
But when holiness feels distant or obscured, I turn to our sacred texts, and to music. This week, one of my closest friends, Cantor Becky Mann, released her first single. You can listen to it here and read the text below. This song, and its beautiful English translation mirrors the story of Purim- reminding us that the Divine can be in so many places- we just have to be open to seeing it. I hope this song, written by Becky Mann, and performed by her, myself, and our friends, will bring you so joy, some peace, and a spark of the Divine this Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom.
Maker of all we feel – Maker of songs that heal
Maker of hope in this heart – That I know that this world cannot steal
Maker of those who rise – Who get to work despite all that they’re feeling inside
Who remind us of blessings – Still to be found.
Maker of stars that light up the night – That keep shining despite all the odds
Maker of eyes that still look to the hills – That find hope in the moments of God
Ozi v’zimrat Yah v’yahi li lishuah
Maker of changing tides – Maker of every wave we ride
Oh, we ebb and we flow – But we grow through the highs and the lows
Maker of friends who smile – Who walk with you beyond all of the miles
Of hurt and of suffering, who say – “I am staying right here”
Maker of stars that light up the night – That remind us we’re never alone
My strength and my song come from You – Who makes this spirit whole
Ozi v’zimrat Yah v’yahi li lishuah
