Since we have already had a nahafoch hu year, this Purim let us do something different
The topsy-turvy fortunes of the Jews of Persia are vividly portrayed by that memorable phrase in Megillas Esther 9:1, v’nahafoch hu. The best translation of nahafoch hu is “upside down” and “topsy-turvy.” On Purim, everything was inverted: Haman and his evil cohorts were eliminated, and the Jews slated for destruction fought back and defeated the enemy.
In keeping with this spirit of inversion, Jews historically have celebrated Purim in a nahafoch hu manner. Teetotalers imbibe wine and whiskey; light eaters ingest heavy meals; serious folks wear broad smiles; people hide themselves behind masks and beneath costumes. Everything is topsy-turvy.
In truth, who can deny that we are living these days in a topsy-turvy world? That which is normal is considered abnormal, and abnormal is the new normal.
A quick overview of this past year underscores that this has been a nahafoch hu year.
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