Rabbi Nachman of Breslov gives us a unique picture of the meaning of Purim. First, it is important to remember that Rabbi Nachman's teachings are the most convert friendly of any Jewish approach. Many would disagree with these teachings, but I find them incredibly meaningful. He noted that most converts (and he ENCOURAGED conversion, although it was illegal in Czarist Russia), stated the reason for wanting to convert as having found internal contradictions in Christian Scriptures. Rabbi Nachman asks, how is it possible that works meant to convince people to another faith, would bring them to Judaism? He notes that when two people walk together, they can easily converse. However, in the midst of a hurricane, one can't hear the speech of one standing even a few inches away. In every generation, there are great Tzaddikim who speak the Word of HaShem. But, there are "hurricanes" of strife, caused by false leaders, petty politics, and personal jealousies. (One famous Hassidic leader took it upon himself to persecute Rabbi Nachman for the last ten years of Rabbi Nachman's life!), When these occur, the words of the true Tzaddikim cannot be heard. However, when there is peace and mutual respect among the Jews, the words of the Tzaddikim can be heard from far away. (This does NOT mean conformity or glossing over issues, but respect and an openness to learn from each other). At the time of the Purim story, Jews were heavily divided. We are told that when Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, some saw him as a hero, others saw him as a trouble maker, and blamed him for all the strife that happened. When the decree was issued against the Jews, Esther says to Mordecai "Go, assemble all the Jews, pray and fast! So will I". After this, we are informed that the King couldn't sleep, and he asked someone to read the Royal Chronicles to him, so that he may fall asleep. (Similarly, I have told Sima that when she can't sleep, wake me, and I will give her a sermon). He finds in the Persian chronicles, that at some point in they past, Morecai had saved him from an assassination plot. This is the turning point in the story! Rabbi Nachman comments that once the Jews gathered and became unified, the words of the Tzaddik (Mordecai) "pop up" in the annals of the Gentiles. In fact, they were there all along, but could not be "heard!" Peace between the Jews had created "calm and pure air", which allowed Truth to be heard. During the fighting between the Jews and their enemies, we are told that many of the people were "Mityahadim". This could mean that they pretended to be Jews. But, more likely, that they BECAME Jews! G-d's Word, as spoken by the righteous, can be found everywhere, IF we are able to "hear". Rabbi Nachman refers to converts as responsible for "the repair of the Altar, and thus our Deliverance is largely dependent on them! (In my opinion, the terrible time that we are now experiencing, as in no small part, due to the shabby treatment of converts). But our responsibility is to build a community based on Truth, eliminating hate and jealousy from our midst. Then, men and women of all nations, will find HaShem everywhere, even concealed in other faiths. The exchanging of gifts or food, the giving of charity to the poor, are, in the light if this idea, designed to bring us together; to create the "calm and pure air", so that the words of the Tzaddikim can be heard, and all come to Torah! So may it be soon! Happy Purim!