purim

I think it is significant that the whole purim story took place in the seat of government and every personality invlovled was a high government officical at some point. This may very weel be a lesson we can learn. Pirkei Avos says that we should avoid dealing withe the govenrment because they are nice to some one only when they can benefit. This is the very opposite of how ajew should. Politicains arte all about "whats in it for me?". Jews are supposed to give without thinking of getting anything in return. The mitzvas of Purim, Shalach monos and matonos levyonim are about giving without thinking about getting something back.