“Six seven” has become such a viral trend, even though it carries no real meaning. Yet when Purim comes and we celebrate the holiday by turning things upside down, it is worth taking a closer look.
When people say “six seven,” they often accompany it with hand gestures, using both the right and the left hands.
Through the prism of spirituality, we can see something deeper. The right hand represents the spiritual world, while the left represents the physical, mundane world. Although these appear to be two separate realms, right and left, they are intended to work together.
We see this most clearly in the Purim story. Mordechai, one of the leading spiritual figures of his time, dons sackcloth as a sign of mourning and gathers the Jewish people to pray that Haman and Achashverosh decree that all Jews should be killed in one day should be annulled. A three-day fast is established so that they can reconnect with their spiritual core.
Esther, the Jewish girl that became Achashverosh’s queen, partners with Mordechai to stop this catastrophe in its tracks, takes a very different approach. She prepares to enter the king’s chamber. She approaches Achashverosh with a strategy, dressed in royal garb. She arranges a feast for the king and invites his advisor, Haman. Then she prepares a second feast, where she successfully exposes, then destroys, the plot against the Jewish people.
One way to understand the story is this: Mordechai and Esther were working in harmony but it was Mordechai who represented the spiritual path, while Esther represented the practical, down-to-earth approach.
We know that in life, especially regarding health-related issues, we must engage both paths. At the same time when we pray for G-d’s intervention, we also take proper medical steps to improve the situation. We understand that there must be a partnership between the spiritual and physical worlds.
Still, it is worth asking: If we must prepare ourselves to receive G-d’s blessings, which approach carries greater weight? Prayer or action? Spiritual connection or practical effort?
The story of Purim is recorded in a scroll called Megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther. Why Esther and not Mordechai?
The answer teaches us something profound. While prayer and mitzvot (the spiritual) are essential, they are not sufficient on their own. It was Esther’s courage and practical initiative (the physical) that brought the miracle to completion. She entered the palace. She navigated politics. She took calculated steps within the physical world to draw down G-d’s blessing.
Also, it was Esther who requested that Purim be established as a holiday and that the story be recorded as part of the Torah. The observance of Purim itself reflects this integration. We do not only read the story; we celebrate with a festive meal. We give gifts of food to our friends. We give money to the poor. The mitzvot are tangible and practical.
Judaism is not meant to divide life into two separate realms, physical and spiritual. It calls upon us to merge them into one unified service.
Shabbat Shalom and Happy Purim.