We learn that the only other place the word "Birah" is mentioned in any of our scriptures is in Divrei HaYamim where it refers to Yerushalayim HaBirah. So how can we compare Jerusalem, our beautiful and astonishing capital, to a random city where Jews lived in exile? Before Yerushalayim was destroyed, the city was our most populated city, it was our center, but when we were exiled, the Persian Empire became our home. This can explain why we call Shushan a "Birah" in Megillat Esther. Shushan became the city where all the Jews live while in exile. It brought us together into a community, like Yerushalayim did and still does. It kept the Jews in exile strong, and let them establish their lives for the time being.
Just like Shushan was the "Birah" of the time, we have many "Birot" today around the world. The one most familiar to us, as we are Americans, is New York City. NYC is a hub for Jewish people not only in America, but around the world. Los Angeles also has an enormous Jewish population that allows us to establish our lives for the time being.
Though we are dispersed throughout and across the world, we have these "Birot" that allow us to stay connected to our religion and our people while "chutz l'aretz." What is another "Birah" in the world today?
We do not have the right to judge the Jews at this time. They could have gone back to Israel, but they chose not to. We, too, are in a similar situation. The state of Israel is the Jewish state today. We all have an option to go back to Israel, but why aren't we all moving now? We decide to live with the values around us instead of going to Israel. This is the same as how they did at Achashverosh's time.
ReplyDeleteNew York, city or state -- whichever one you prefer. It's one of the centers of Jewish life in the Diaspora. And yes, many people have chosen not to return to Israel. Unfortunately, that's just how it is today. However, for the first time in forever, there are more Jews living in Israel than ever before. As Shaina said, we don't have the right to judge other Jews; only G-d can do that. However, we can become aware of our own choices and realize that Memphis is our "birah." Is that what we want it to be?
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