בס”ד
The Eternal Struggle
As Purim approaches, we are reminded of the eternal struggle between good and evil that has always been central in the history of Israel. The story of Purim is not just the story of the Jewish people, but of every believer committed to G-d’s promises. In the time of King Ahasuerus, Haman sought to destroy the Jewish people. Despite his power and manipulations, he was ultimately humiliated and killed, in a symbolic way that goes beyond his physical demise. His death on the gallows is connected to the Ark of Noah, which carries a powerful message for us today.
Haman as a Symbol of Today’s Enemies
Haman, the grandson of Agag, king of Amalek, symbolizes evil and rebellion against the will of G-d. In his attempt to destroy the Jewish people, he used lies, division, and manipulation. Today, we see similar forces of hatred working to undermine Israel. Groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as other enemies, seek to isolate the Jewish people, separate them from their land, and disrupt their connection to G-d.
Haman’s tactics of confusion and distraction remain a reality, but just as his plans failed, so too will the evil of today be vanquished. The story of Purim teaches us that the forces of hatred and confusion will ultimately fail, no matter how powerful they seem. G-d’s promise to Israel is eternal and unwavering. Even when enemies unite against Israel, as Haman did, faith in G-d’s protection is the key to victory.
Amalek represents an ongoing struggle against Israel, embodied by the enemies of Israel in every generation. This struggle will end when G-d fulfills His promise and wipes out the seed of Amalek from the world, as stated in Zechariah 13:2: “And I will remove the impure spirit from the land.”
The Ark as a Symbol of Prayer
In the story of Noah, the Ark was not merely a physical structure that protected Noah and his family from the storm—it was a vessel of salvation, offering refuge as the world around them was engulfed by floodwaters. The Ark symbolizes a place of safety and peace in the midst of turmoil.
Interestingly, the Hebrew word for “Ark,” Teva (תֵּבָה), also means “word.” This dual meaning creates a profound connection between the Ark and prayer. Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov explained this in reference to the verse “Come into the Ark,” interpreting it as “Come into the letters of the Torah and prayer.”
Just as the Ark shielded Noah and his family from the destruction surrounding them, prayer serves as our spiritual refuge, offering protection in life’s storms. When confusion and chaos threaten to overwhelm us, prayer provides stability, clarity, and strength. The Ark, a vessel of salvation, symbolizes the peace and guidance we find in prayer. Instead of being swept away by the ‘flood’ of distractions, we can seek refuge in prayer, allowing its words to center our thoughts, restore our focus, and strengthen our faith.
In times of turbulence, just as the Ark kept Noah safe amidst the floodwaters, prayer keeps us anchored, grounding us in our connection to G-d.
The Wood from the Ark: A Symbol of True Submission to G-d
The wood from the Ark of Noah, which was ultimately used to hang Haman, symbolizes the power of a pure and sincere connection to G-d. Haman, in his arrogance and desire for worship, sought to turn people away from G-d and make them bow to him, much like how idolatry demands false submission. In contrast, the Ark—the symbol of prayer—represents the true spiritual refuge, where we submit ourselves to G-d alone. Haman’s efforts to disrupt the Jews and force them into submission were ultimately defeated.
The Ark, as a symbol of prayer, protects us when we connect with the holiness of G-d through our prayers. This connection has the power to chase away the distractions and forces of Haman and his allies, who seek to lead us astray from our true source of refuge. Haman’s attempt to isolate the Jewish people from G-d, and from the Holy Land, was rooted in confusion and distraction. He hoped to prevent the Jews from praying, knowing that a disconnection from G-d would weaken them. But, in the end, his own plan was undone by the very wood from the Ark—symbolizing pure and focused prayer.
The Essence of Prayer for Israel
As Bnei Noach (the children of Noah), we are called to support the Jewish people in their struggle and pray for Israel. Our prayers are not only a way to improve our own lives but also a way to support G-d’s greater plan – the ultimate redemption of Israel and the world. The role of Bnei Noach is not passive, but active. By praying for Israel, we strengthen the connection between G-d and His people and help manifest G-d’s covenant in the world.
As we see in the story of Purim, prayer is the most powerful weapon against the forces of hatred and confusion. Prayer holds us steady in times of uncertainty and protects us from the storms of the world. We, as Bnei Noach, must therefore always keep praying, knowing that G-d is faithful to His covenant and will save His people.
Trust in G-d’s Faithfulness
The story of Haman is both a warning and a promise. The forces of hatred and confusion cannot win. They will ultimately be destroyed, just as Haman was destroyed by the very wood that symbolized protection, the Ark of Noah. This is a sign of G-d’s unchanging faithfulness to His people.
When we connect with G-d through prayer, as Noah did in the Ark, we can weather the storms of life. We must trust in God, knowing that, no matter the enemies that rise against us, G-d will always fulfill His promises. The redemption of Israel is the redemption of the world, and as Bnei Noach, we play an essential role in that process through our prayers.
The Power of Prayer
We see that Noah’s Ark symbolizes prayer. The endless waters on which the Ark sailed represent the knowledge of the infinite greatness of the Creator that will one day be fully revealed, both to the people of Israel and to Bnei Noach. By praying and connecting with the holiness of prayer, we find the strength to overcome the storms of confusion and hatred.
The Ark of Noah and the story of Purim remind us of the power of prayer as a means of protection and connection to G-d. Just as Haman ultimately fell to his own schemes, so too will today’s enemies of Israel fail—because G-d’s promise to His people is eternal.
As Bnei Noach, we are called to continually pray for Israel, trusting in G-d’s faithfulness and His covenant. No matter the forces of hatred or confusion, G-d will protect His people, as He always has. Our faith in His promises helps us rise above worldly distractions and draws us closer to the holiness of prayer, which shields us from the floods of chaos and uncertainty.
Let us continue to pray, knowing with confidence that G-d will fulfill His promises and redeem His people. For as the prophecy declares: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9). In that time, all of humanity will be devoted to the knowledge of G-d, as Rambam states: “Then the occupation of all people will be with the knowledge of G-d.” (Kings 12:5). Through our prayers, we take part in this divine plan, contributing to the ultimate redemption of the world.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Moshe Bernstein for his feedback and input
Sources
Tze’enah Ure’enah, Megillot, Megillat Esther 8:4
Megillah 13b
Purim & Noah’s Ark: What’s The Connection?
BRI Breslov: The Breslov Research Institute
Rabbi Nachman lesson 44
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