From Purim to Passover
It would seem that Passover is a continuation of Purim. After all the first two of the four special Parshiyos take place BEFORE Purim and the last two take place AFTER Purim and Before Passover. And especially this year, a Jewish Leap Year, it would seem from the fact that we observe Purim during the SECOND of the two Adars, that Purim is again connected to the upcoming Passover. Indeed this is one reason mentioned for observing Purim during the 2nd Adar and NOT during the 1st Adar.
Nevertheless, we must remember that Passover takes place during the first month of the Jewish Calendar while Adar is the last month of the year; i.e. the 12th month during a regular year, or 12th and 13th months during a leap year. When viewed from this perspective, Passover is at the beginning of the year, and Purim is actually 11-12 months later.
Thus, Purim is close to Passover in the same way the END of one year is near the Beginning of the following. Recall that on Simchas Torah we read V’zos Habrocho at the end of the Torah immediately before we resume a new cycle by reading Breishis. Additionally when a Siyyum is done on a tractate of the Talmud Gmara, there is a tradition to begin the first few lines of the NEXT Tractate. One lesson we then learn is that ends are merely preludes to new beginnings.
Another lesson is about protection and salvation. Just as Hashem rescued us at the beginning of the year, i.e. during at Passover; so, too, HE rescued us at the end of the year during Purim. And just as Hashem rescued us at the Beginning of History during Passover, so, too will HE rescue us at the end of days with the Advent of our Moshiach and the reconstruction of our Beis Hamikdash.
Best Wishes for a Sweet and Kosher Passover !
From the Wolpoe Family
From the Wolpoe Family
