REDEEMING JOY FROM ITS EXILE

On Pesach, we will go out of the exile, so now it's time to prepare. The Prophet Yeshayahu says, "With joy, you will go out." But what if we don't have any joy? How will we go out then?

Reb Noson explains that our joy is also in exile - among the other nations. Somehow it is easier for the non-Jews to relax and have a good time, while we, the Jews, are forever burdened by our obligations, problems, and imperfections.

Purim is the time to change all that! On Purim, we are going to redeem simcha from its exile. We will have a big, loud party - just like them! - because this is what Hashem commands us to do. We will not only eat, drink, and be merry, but also sing happy Jewish songs and have lively Torah discussions around the table. In this way, we will capture the joy of the non-Jews and bring it into our lives!

Although Purim will end, the joy will hopefully remain. Then we'll discover that, with this simcha, we can do anything, Including preparing for Pesach and joyously leaving our exile when it finally arrives!

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