"Y2K? Who can think about Y2K? What about Chanuka?! Who knows what will be after Chanuka!" These were the words of my holy Rav in early December as we discussed the approaching millenium. I think the same thoughts are relevant as we enter into a dimension of time called Purim, which means 'lotteries.' Who knows what will be after a full day of fasting and teshuva (returning), followed by two days full of mitzvot; Matanot l'evyonim (gifts to the destitute), mishloach manot (gifts to our friends), seudat Purim (the festive meal), Megillat Esther, wiping out Amalek, and so many more mitzvot more that we do every day, not to mention the mitzva which some of us will take-on to get "spiced" until we don't know the difference between cursing Haman and Blessing Mordechai? It is a time when the light of kabalat hatorah b'ahava (accepting our Holy Torah with love) is shining in the world and the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple of Hashem, is soon to follow.
You never know . . . you never know . . . Maybe we'll wake up the next day to find all our holy brothers and sisters building the House of the Lord? Maybe we'll be able to stop judging other Jews, all Jews, and all peoples, and see them for the holy angels they truly are? Maybe I'll come a little closer to becoming Yosef Simcha, myself. It's going to be so amazing, we're going to be different from the inside out. It's going to be such a trip - so please, for the sake of all of Israel, for the sake of the Moshiach, for the sake of the whole world, join me in joy, anticipation and trust in the following translation of the "traveler's prayer" - and for sure, it'll be the best.
May it be Your will, Lord, our G-d and G-d of our ancestors, to lead us, to direct our steps, and to support us in peace. Lead our in lives, tranquil and serene, until we arrive where we are going. Deliver us from every enemy, ambush and hurt that we might encounter along the way, and from all afflictions that visit and trouble the world. Bless the works of our hands. Let us receive divine grace and those loving acts of kindness and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all those we encounter. Listen to the voice of our appeal, for You are a G-d who responds to prayerful supplication. Praised are You, Hashem, who responds to prayer - Amen.