Path to Temple Runs Through Shushan

The story of Purim as related in Megillat Esther is the bridge between the destruction of the First Temple and the building of the Second Temple. Interestingly, the eastern gate to the Temple Mount is called the Shushan Gate, as if to symbolize that the path to the future Temple goes through Shushan.

The feast of Ahashverosh in Shushan was a low point in Jewish history. The Jews of Ahashverosh's kingdom were so deep in exile mentality that they actually reveled and feasted at the Persian mega-party despite the fact that the (kosher) food was served on the holy Temple vessels. But this low point was actually the first hint of future salvation. The marriage of Esther to Ahashverosh led to the birth of Darius, who would eventually allow the reconstruction of the Second Temple to be completed.

The story of Purim highlights the eternity of the Nation of Israel. Currently, as in many eras of Jewish history, we are experiencing a period of darkness and despair. But many bright lights shine through the heavy shadows of our present reality. True, many people have still not broken free of the Oslo mentality. Too many people still subjugate themselves to the modern-day Ahashveroshes, who brought the Oslo disaster upon us. Yes, these Ahashveroshes still feel comfortable visiting the yeshiva where young boys were murdered with weapons that they, themselves, gave the murderer. But the nation of Israel already understands that the Oslo criminals will not save us.

Our job at this time is to make people aware of the alternative and to prepare ourselves to lead. If we keep our heads on our shoulders and persevere, we will have the support and the tools to step in when the time is ripe. The skeptics among us received a wake up call last week from none other than the British Home Office. The British ban on my entry to England clearly showcased the fact that Manhigut Yehudit is the only factor in Israeli politics that threatens the British anti-Israel policies. No other politician or force in the National Camp bothers them. No ministers, no Knesset members, not even the people at the outposts. The only factor they see as counterproductive to their pro-Arab machinations is Manhigut Yehudit. Which leads us to the conclusion that we are obviously doing something very right!

We must persevere, build our support base, reach out and register more and more people for the Likud. Then, when G-d deems fit, we will be poised to take the leadership reigns and to bring the Jewish Nation back from Shushan to Jerusalem - to itself, its G-d and its Jewish destiny.

Happy Purim,

Moshe Feiglin