It is thirty days to Purim, and it is customary to start reviewing the laws of the holiday. Everyone knows that Purim celebrates the victory of the Jews over the wicked Haman. But do you know why the perilous decree fell upon the Jews of Persia in the first place?

Achashverosh's Ball

Because they all rushed to party at Achashverosh’s ball when the prophecy of Redemption seemed not come true. Instead of rejoicing at the return to Jerusalem, they rejoiced at Achashverosh’s feast. Yes, they made sure to keep kosher, but they couldn’t wait to mix with the goyim, rub shoulders with the elite of the town, google at their immodestly dressed women, and take a part in the drunken immorality of the bash. In short, they wanted to assimilate and be like the Persians. When the holy vessels of the Jerusalem Temple were brought out on display, the Jews didn’t protest. They had forgotten Jerusalem. “For from Persia will go forth the Torah, and the word of the L-rd from Shushan,” they loudly declared, craving to be accepted citizens of a foreign land, rather than returning home to Israel.    

Just like the Jews of the Diaspora today.

"For from America shall go forth the Torah"