Q & A - WITH RABBI RISKIN
Question:
Why is G-d's name not written in the Megillah of Purim?
Answer:
Most of the
commentaries would say that the major difference between the
Biblical period and the Talmudic period was that in the Bible, G-d
is the main "actor." He controls the action and constantly takes
center stage. Perhaps this was necessary when the Jewish people were
in diapers, as it were, and only began their journey through
history.
In the Talmudic period, Israel comes into its
own. The Oral Law of the Talmud expresses the very real
partnership between G-d and Israel in the development of Jewish
Law. Hence, when you look at the Bible, there is rarely a verse
without G-d's name; when you look at the Talmud, however, it is
Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Yehuda, Rav and Shmuel, Rava and Abaye,
Ravina and Rav Ashi. Of course G-d is there, albeit in a cloud
or behind and in-between the lines, but He is not up front. From
the second Temple onwards, G-d waits for our human initiative in
order to bring about redemption.
The Scroll
of Esther, which was written just at the time of the beginning
of the Second Temple, signifies this change. G-d's name is not
up front; G-d is, however, very much behind the scenes. The
Scroll of Esther is a book of "coincidences," and coincidence is
only G-d's way of telling us that He is in charge, if only
anonymously.
Purim
Sameach!
