UPSIDE DOWN

The Purim Megillah uses the term v’nahafoch (9:1), which indicates reversal, change, or something upside down, and refers to the miraculous salvation of the Jews of Persia who, instead of being annihilated, suddenly emerged victorious. Events were reversed and turned upside down.

IN this spirit of Purim, we offer here some upside-down wishes that would require miracles to be fulfilled. But since this is the Purim season, with Pesach miracles not far behind, who knows?

WHAT IF we could find a newspaper that offers the news honestly and objectively, and reserves the opinions for the op-ed pages — so that we might return to the comforts of believing what we read?

WHAT IF fine Torah institutions would solicit contributions in a dignified manner and would not, for example, offer quid pro quo to daven for us if we contribute to them — implying that no contribution means no davening?

WHAT IF we could find ways to honor and challenge bar mitzvah boys other than having them read the entire Shabbos sedrah, which — especially outside of Israel where Hebrew is natural — includes inevitable errors that make it questionable if the congregation has fulfilled its listening requirement? What if, for example, time spent on this training were to be devoted to having these capable youngsters make a siyum on several tractates of Mishnayos, or on all of Shas Mishnayos?