According to the Chasid Ya’avetz, the key verse of the Adar Hallel is, “The heavens are God’s, while the earth has been given to people.” The Purim challenge is how we choose to live in this world and bring God’s Name to His creation. We therefore sing:
“Hallelukah!
Praise, you who serve God!”
This is the beginning of the praise offered by those who are truly, ‘Servants of God’: They live only to sing:
“Praise the Name of God.” They desire that all they will do will bring praise to God’s Name. This is why the Talmud teaches that the Megillah of Esther is Purim’s Hallel.
“Let the Name of God be blessed from now and forever.” God’s Name is absent from the Book of Esther. It is revealed only to those who live with an awareness of God beyond time – ‘now and forever,’ – and beyond space – “From sunrise to sundown, the Name of God is praised.”
“God is above all the nations.” The nations may acknowledge God as Creator, but not as the Guider of History, the Sustainer of Creation, Who is actively involved with His creations. God’s true servants praise Him above and beyond what all others are willing to declare.
“His Glory is beyond the sky.
Who is like God, our Lord,
Who lives up high, but drops down to see what happens (to us) in the (lower) heaven and earth?
Who lifts up the lowly from the dust, raises the destitute from the garbage dumps to be seated with leaders, the leaders of their people.
Who makes a home for the childless woman and joy for the mother of children. Hallelukah!”
By: Rabbi Simcha Weinberg, n''y
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