Echoes of Ancient Persia in the Nuclear Standoff
As the rain falls over Jerusalem’s hills outside our window, the Persian Gulf is simmering with tension that echoes ancient Shushan.
Indirect US-Iran nuclear talks are set for Friday in Oman. They were shifted there at Tehran’s insistence for a bilateral format.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is preparing to meet Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, even as incidents mount:
- US fighter jet downed an Iranian Shahed-139 drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln
- IRGC boats harassed a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump talks about “serious” discussions but warns of “bad things” if no deal curbs Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Khamenei is threatening a regional war if he is attacked.
Netanyahu, meeting Witkoff, urged caution: Iran cannot be trusted.
WHEN ADAR ENTERS…
This is all unfolding just weeks before Purim, with the Hebrew month of Adar beginning at sundown Monday, February 16.
Adar is the month when joy is ushered in, amid peril.
“When Adar begins, joy is increased.” (Ta’anit 29a)
Adar signals the beginning of a turnabout. And I have a feeling it will be obvious this year.
Megillat (the Book of) Esther unfolds in Persia’s vast empire, where Haman casts lots and decrees our annihilation:
“There is a certain people scattered throughout the empire… and their laws are different than all nations.” (Esther 3:8)
He wants to destroy the Nation of Israel because of the Torah Laws that we received at Sinai. (which happens in this week’s Torah portion, Yitro)
The hatred from ancient Persia endures. Khamenei’s regime brands Israel a “cancer,” and funds proxies to destroy us mirroring Haman’s decree.
TURNABOUT
Yet Purim’s essence is venahafoch hu—the great reversal.
No overt miracles, but hidden ones:
- Mordechai appointement as advisor
- Esther becoming Queen
- Haman’s gallows built for the Jew, turned against him
In Faith Under Fire and Missiles, Masks and Miracles I explained, Adar is the season of joy and turnabouts.
Hashem orchestrates history through “coincidences,” unlikely turns in events.
The Talmud (Megillah 13b) notes Haman’s decree spurred teshuvah. The people fasted, and prayed united for Esther’s success.
SECRET TO SUCCESS
Communal strength is the secret to our success.
Facing Iran’s threats, we must deepen emunah (faith) and trust Mordechai’s promise that even if we don’t have an “Esther” in our generation:
“Relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish People from another place.” (Esther 4:14)
Khamenei’s threats recall Haman’s arrogance and fated to fail. If the Oman talks progressor falter, intensifying pressurem, the reversal may begin with Adar’s entry.
In uncertainty, our faith anchors us. The war persists, but so does trust in the One who turns darkness to light.
Shalom and Blessings for Peace from Jerusalem,