As it seems

As it seems by Ari Rosenberg
Friday, July 24, 2009

Here in Camp Simcha Special, it is not too difficult to see miracles. Miracles are when things that do not happen...happen. Purim in July is a good example. Here at Simcha Special, the only difference from Purim is the Megilla reading. We wear costumes, experience hidden miracles, and give out canteen food, every single day. However, it was not enough for us. Therefore, we made ourselves our own day for Purim. Why? Because we felt like it, because we can, and because we wanted to read our own Camp Simcha Special mad-lib Megilla. This congregation though, likes to celebrate more than it likes to boo. Therefore, instead of Haman, we have “UPROAR” –ten seconds of pure, chest pounding, floor thumping, party time.
What is Purim truly about? Is it all just groggers, sharing food, and dressing like a clown? Really, those are only what we do, not who we are. On Purim, that which we think is hidden is explained, and that which is obvious, becomes complicated. Allow me to explain this nonsense. Appearances can be deceiving. A pig looks kosher because of its split hooves. However, a closer look shows that it does not chew its cud, rendering it not kosher. Conversely, a bee is a non-kosher insect. Though give it a chance, and the bee will lead you to its sweet honey, which is not only kosher, but also delicious.
We read in the Shema every day-ולא תתורו אחרי לבבכם ואחרי עיניכם אשר אתם זנים אחריהם. “ Do not follow after your heart and after your eyes by which you go astray.” Only what Hashem tells us is true. Everything else can be questioned. So just like when you see a gorilla walking around or a nine-foot frog on the street during Purim, and you do not assume it is a real animal, do not always believe what you see in life. The world is full of great things and great people; we just need to close our eyes to see it all.