The Power Of Youth
In Proximity to Purim, 5736 [1976]
To Jewish Students:
At this time, in proximity to Purim, you have given much thought to the story of Purim, as related in the Megila (the Book of Esther). This is just a reminder about the special significance of this festival for Jewish children and youths in all parts of the world.
The Megila relates how the wicked Haman rose to power and planned to destroy all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, that lived in all the lands of King Ahasuerus. It also tells how things turned out eventually, with Haman being hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordechai, the decree abolished, the complete change of the situation from one extreme to the other, which made these days into days of joy and festivity.
Our Sages of blessed memory relate the details of how it happened:
Mordechai and Esther, who knew what was happening, called upon all the Jews to fast and pray and return to G-d, to His Torah and mitzvot. And after Mordechai had gathered thousands upon thousands of Jewish children and taught them Torah, and inspired their hearts with love of G-d and love of the Torah to the point of mesirat nefesh (supreme self-sacrifice), then G-d annulled the decree and made Esther's efforts successful, so that "For the Jews there was light, joy, gladness, and honor."
Thus, the miracle of Purim came about through the merit of Jewish children and youths!
One of the reasons why the Torah tells us these details is to let everybody know, and everywhere and at all times (for the Torah is eternal) how great is the power of Jewish children who walk in the way of the Torah and mitzvot to influence the fate of our people everywhere.
Each and every Jewish boy and girl, wherever they are, who learn Torah and do mitzvot, add strength and power to all Jews everywhere including, especially, in those countries where our enemies do not permit Jewish children and youths to be taught Torah, and to fulfill the mitzvot. How fortunate you are that you are not in such a plight, G-d forbid, and that you can learn Torah diligently and fulfill the mitzvot to perfection, and it only depends on yourselves and your will!
And in your zechut [merit], all our people will benefit and will achieve, in the words of the Megila: "For the Jews there was light, joy, gladness and honor" so be it for us and for all Jews.
With love and with blessing for a joyous Purim,
