Purim's Rare Convergence: Na'afochu Time (Voices 1)

I'm Simon Jacob, your host for this episode from Jerusalem. If you're driving in your car, please focus on the road ahead. If you're home relaxing, please pour a glass of wonderful kosher wine, sit back, relax and enjoy. As we prepare to celebrate Purim this week, I ask that, wherever you are, please take a moment to pray. Pray for the safety and return of our hostages, pray for the return home of all our still displaced citizens, pray for the safety of our soldiers, and pray for peace and security for all the Jewish people around the world. Last year I recorded a Purim episode that was unlike any other. It was raw and it was painful. We were just five months past the horrors of October 7th, trying our best to find a footing in a world that had quite literally turned upside down. That episode was my attempt to reconcile the joyous nature of Purim with the deep wounds still bleeding in our collective soul. I spoke about Nahafochu, the Purim theme of complete reversals, how Haman's decree was overturned, how justice was served, and how what seemed at the time destined for destruction became a moment of salvation. And now a year later, here we are again. What has changed? What has remained the same? And what does Purim mean for us this year, in 2025, the Jewish year of 5785? What you might not know is that this Purim is unlike any other. It is a rare moment in Jewish history, one that won't actually happen again for at least another 20 years. Typically, the Jewish world celebrates Purim on the 14th of the Jewish month of Adar, while Jerusalem and a select few other ancient walled cities celebrate one day later, on the 15th, known as Shushan Purim. This distinction exists because in the original story of Purim, the Jews of Shushan, the capital city of Persia, continued to fight for an extra day, celebrating their victory one day later than the rest of the kingdom. But this year, for the first time in two decades, Purim falls on a Friday, which means that both Jerusalem and the rest of the world will celebrate together. It is as if HaShem Himself is reminding us that this is a time not for separation but for unity, that we as Jews should not be celebrating in different places at different times, but together as one nation. Every year of immense suffering, division, and challenges, this Purim is a symbol of what we need most, achdut Yisrael, Jewish unity. Because if we have learned anything from this past year, it is that our unification is not just a nice virtue, it's our survival, it's our strength, and ultimately, it is our key to our own redemption. We have seen that when Jews stand together, nothing can break us. We have seen that in the soldiers who fight side by side, in the communities that have rallied around displaced families, in the millions of Jews around the world who have defended Israel with their voices, their actions, and their unwavering support. Just as Purim forced the Jewish people in Persia to stand together, to fast as one, to pray as one, to fight as one, so too this year's Purim compels us to unite. No longer can we afford to be divided. No longer can we separate ourselves by borders, denominations, or ideologies. Purim 2025 reminds us that our future depends on our unity. When the Megillah is read on Friday morning, it won't just be read in Jerusalem, or in Tel Aviv, or New York, or in London. It will be read everywhere at the same time. The words of our salvation will ring out in unison across the world. And just as Hashem reversed the decree of Haman, may He once again turn the tides, bringing an end to our suffering, restoring peace to Israel, and reuniting our people, not just in celebration, but in redemption. A year has passed, but for so many families, time has stood still. Over a hundred hostages remain in Gaza. Over a hundred souls stolen from their homes, separated from their families, enduring horrors we cannot even imagine. There are still parents waking up every morning with an empty chair at their breakfast table. Still spouses waiting for their phones to ring for news that doesn't come. Still children who whisper Shema Yisrael at night, hoping that their mothers or fathers will somehow return home. As we reflect on the profound themes of Purim—resilience, unity, and faith—it's essential to also acknowledge the remarkable stories of those who endured captivity following the harrowing events of October 7th. Their experiences not only highlight the enduring spirit of our people, but also serve as a modern testament to the unseen hand of Hashem, guiding and protecting us, even in the darkest of times. On October 7th, 2023, Rachel and David Idry, a couple in their 60s in Ofakim, found themselves taken hostage in their own home by Hamas militants. Demonstrating extraordinary bravery and presence of mind, Rachel engaged the captors by offering them drinks and homemade cookies, singing Arabic songs, and maintaining a calm demeanor. This courageous act of hospitality and humanity not only bought precious time, but also kept the situation from escalating until Israeli security forces successfully rescued them after a tense 20-hour standoff. Rachel's unwavering faith and her ability to see the humanity in her captors, even in the midst of life-threatening danger, exemplifies the profound strength and resilience that our tradition celebrates. In another poignant account, Yarden Romengat, her husband Alon, and their three-year-old daughter Geffen, were abducted from Kibbutz Berri. Seizing a moment of opportunity, Yarden and Alon attempted a daring escape. Facing imminent danger, Yarden made a heart-wrenching decision to hand their daughter to Alon, knowing he could run faster, and diverted the captors' attention by running in a different direction. Her selfless act ensured the safety of her child and husband, even as she was recaptured and endured two months of captivity in Gaza. Yarden's story is a powerful testament to the sacrificial love and courage that illuminate our people's narrative. Agam Berger, an Israeli military spotter, was held captive in Gaza for nearly 16 months. Throughout her ordeal, she clung steadfastly to her faith, observing Jewish traditions as best as she could under the circumstances. She marked Hanukkah by lighting a single candle, a simple yet profound act that symbolized hope and resistance against despair. Her unwavering belief in Hashem's presence provided her with the strength to endure the unimaginable hardships of captivity. The recent release of three young Israeli women, Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, after 15 months of captivity, underscores the power of unity and mutual support. Kidnapped from various locations, including a music festival and their home in Kfar Azzah, these women faced the trials of captivity together. Their collective resilience and support for one another during such a harrowing period highlights the strength found in unity, reflecting the Purim story's theme of communal salvation. A year after the devastating attack on Kibbutz Berri, where over 100 residents were killed and 30 taken hostage, the community's spirit remains unbroken. Survivors, despite enduring profound loss and displacement, are determined to rebuild their lives and community. Their steadfastness and hope amidst ongoing challenges embodies the essence of naafohu, the reversal of fortune, and the enduring belief in redemption that Purim signifies. These narratives of faith, sacrifice, and unity serve as contemporary reflections of the Purim story. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, the Jewish spirit remains unyielding, guided by the unwavering belief in Hashem, and strengthened by our collective support for one another. In the past year, we have seen the world's reaction to our suffering, and once again, we have witnessed naafohu. We expected the world to condemn terrorism, but instead, they accused Israel. We expected universities, our centers of knowledge, to stand against barbarism, but instead, they gave platforms to those who chant for our destruction. We expected justice, but instead, we saw the International Court of Justice question Israel's right to defend itself. And yet, in the face of all of this, we persist. We continue. During the tragic events of October 7th, Columbia University became a focal point for intense protests and counter-protests. Jewish students reported feeling unsafe, facing harassment, and in some instances, being advised to stay off the campus for their safety. One particularly troubling incident involved a Jewish student being physically assaulted during a protest. Despite these challenges, Jewish students at Columbia found solace and strength in their community, organizing support networks and advocating for their rights, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. In April 2024, anti-Israel protesters established an encampment on UCLA's campus, which effectively barred entry to students who did not denounce Israel. This created a de facto exclusion zone, preventing Jewish students from accessing parts of their own campus. In response, three Jewish students filed a lawsuit against UCLA, as the university played a de facto role in preventing them from accessing the campus freely during the protests. A federal judge subsequently ordered UCLA to develop a plan ensuring equal access for all students. This legal action not only highlighted the challenges faced, but also underscored the unity and determination of Jewish students to stand up for their rights and foster an inclusive environment. In May, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law filed a lawsuit against Harvard University, due to the institution inadequately addressing anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination on campus. Some students and actual faculty called for violence against Jews and celebrated attacks against Israel. Due to unified support by the Jewish students and advocacy groups, emphasizing the importance of holding institutions accountable, it showcased how unified efforts could combat anti-Semitism in academic settings. These incidents, while deeply concerning, have also been catalysts for unity within the Jewish student communities. Faced with exclusion, threats, and harassment, Jewish students have come together to support one another, advocate for their rights, and educate their peers about anti-Semitism. They have formed alliances with other student groups, engaged in interfaith dialogues, and organized educational events to promote understanding and tolerance. This solidarity has not only provided emotional support, but has also led to tangible changes, such as legal victories and increased awareness about the challenges they face. The Jewish people have always known suffering, but we have also always known survival. And that is why this Purim, more than ever, we must embrace our joy as an act of defiance, our faith as an act of strength, and our celebrations as a declaration that we are still here. But why would we celebrate, even now? There will be many this year who struggle with the idea of celebrating Purim. How can we drink wine and dance in the streets when our brothers and sisters are still in captivity? How can we feast while the families of fallen soldiers are still sitting Shiva in their hearts? But let me remind you of something profound. Purim was never a holiday of comfortable joy. It was a holiday born from an existential crisis. It was a holiday of impending doom, reversed only at the very last minute. Today, we drink wine, not just for pleasure, but for purpose. We make a barakah over the wine, and with each sip we remember that we are here, that we are strong, that our existence is not an accident, but a miracle. We drink for the hostages. We drink for the soldiers. We drink for those who cannot, because they would want us to. This year, we do not just celebrate for ourselves. We celebrate for those who are still fighting. This Purim lets each take action. Here's what I ask of you. When you hear the Megillah and stomp at the name of Haman, stomp for Hamas too. When you give Mishloch Manot, include a note of encouragement about a soldier or a displaced family. When you sit at your Purim feast, say an extra prayer for the hostages. And when you drink, do it meaningfully. Lift your glass and say, for the soldiers, for our hostages, and for Am Yisrael. This year, we do not just celebrate for ourselves. We celebrate because our joy is our strength and our faith is our future. Purim is not just a holiday of the past. It is a prophecy of our future. Just as Mordechai and Esther saw an impossible situation turn into salvation, so too will we. Nahafochu is not just a story, it's a promise. Hashem will overturn the decree. The hostages will return home and justice will prevail. Until then, we hold our heads high, we raise our glasses, and we celebrate with purpose. May you all have an easy and meaningful fast, a Purim filled with strength, hope, joy, and a peaceful Shabbat. As we close out this special Purim episode, I want to take a moment to celebrate something truly remarkable. Our global Kosher Teruah community. Over the past years, we have grown into something far greater than just a podcast. We are a network of passionate wine lovers, collectors, winemakers, industry leaders, and curious enthusiasts, all united by a shared appreciation for an incredible world of Kosher wine. And what better time than this Purim, this rare and extraordinary Purim, when the entire Jewish world is celebrating together, to strengthen our bonds, to raise our glasses as one, and to support the very winemakers and artisans who bring us the richness of our tradition in every bottle. This Purim I ask you to share this message. Tell your friends, your colleagues, your family, your communities, let them know that Purim is not just about costumes and festivities, it's also about unity. It's about finding joy even in difficult times. Support our Kosher winemakers, whether you pick up a bottle from Israel, the U.S., France, Italy, Argentina, South Africa, or beyond. Know that every sip tells a story, that every vintage carries history, resilience, and dedication. Bring more people into the Kosher Terroir family, introduce them to this podcast, encourage them to explore our past episodes, and invite them to join us on this journey as we continue uncovering the stories, the innovations, and the passions behind the Kosher wine world. If you're new to the Kosher Terroir, I welcome you to dive into our extensive library of episodes, featuring in-depth interviews with some of the most influential figures in the Kosher wine industry. From legendary winemakers to rising stars, from historical deep dives to breaking trends, the Kosher Terroir is your home for everything Kosher wine, and to our long-time listeners, your continued support, your engagement, and your enthusiasm are what makes this community so special. I can't wait to share with you what's ahead. In the coming weeks and months, we have incredible conversations lined up with some of the world's top Kosher wine leaders, visionary winemakers, and emerging influencers who are shaping the future of this industry. So stay with us, stay connected, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and most importantly, raise a glass with purpose this Purim, because together, our voices, our celebrations, and our unity are more powerful than ever. May your Purim be joyous, meaningful, and filled with exceptional wine. May our unity bring strength, and may our faith bring redemption. From Jerusalem, this is Simon Jacob. Cheers. L'chaim. To Purim, to community, to our shared love of wine, and to Am Yisrael. This is Simon Jacob, again, your host of today's episode of the Kosher Terroir. I have a personal request. No matter where you are or where you live, please take a moment to pray for our soldiers' safety and the safe and rapid return of our hostages. Please subscribe via your podcast provider to be informed of our new episodes as they are released. If you're new to the Kosher Terroir, please check out our many past episodes.