[Avodah] kimu v'kiblu, purim,

[Micha Berger]

On Thu, Jun 02, 2011 at 06:14:26PM -0700, Harvey Benton wrote:
: 1. Why is the Torah binding if given to us by force? The answer often given is 
: that we re-accepted it during the times of Purim. What then was the Torah's 
: status upon us in-between Har Sinai, and the times of Purim? 

That answer isn't just often given, it's the next line in the gemara
(Shabbos 88b). Rava presents it as an answer.

I discuss that medrash and Purim's relationship to Shavuos at
<http://www.aishdas.org/asp/1996/03/purim-5756.shtml>. A snippet:

    Purim happened at a critical time in Jewish history. The last people
    who remembered the miracles of the first Beis Hamikdash were already
    old and dying. Until Moshiach, we won't see fire descend from the sky
    to consume the karbanos, the scarlet wool turn white on Yom Kippur,
    the Urim veTumim, light up prophetically. The last of the prophets
    (until the return of Eliyahu) were aged. Tzoraas no longer punished
    those who spoke lashon hara.

    To a certain extent, until this generation, Hashem still "held
    the mountain over our heads". The threat of punishment for sinning
    was tangible.

Thus, I think the whole compulsion model is only partially accurate.

The Ramban on that gemara suggests that during bayis rishon, keeping
the mitzvos wasn't because of the beris, but as part of the lease on
the land.

Another snippet, less relevent but a teaser for that web page:
    What the Jews accepted by force in the desert, was finally accepted
    willingly. Just as Yom Kippur is the complete judgment, and Shmini
    Atzeres is only a part, Purim represents the completion of what was
    started at Shavuos.

Tir'u baTov!
-Micha

-- 
Micha Berger             Today is the 49th day, which is
micha at aishdas.org        7 weeks in/toward the omer.
http://www.aishdas.org   Malchus sheb'Malchus: What is the ultimate
Fax: (270) 514-1507                            goal of perfect unity?