After we finished reading the Megillah we sing a song called Shoshanas Yaakov, which begins by expressing the tremendous joy the Jewish people felt when they saw Mordechai wearing turquoise garments. Although these words are well known, they are difficult to understand. Why was the color of Mordechai’s clothing a cause for simcha?
Rav Chaim Zvi Senter points out that the Torah (Bamidbar 15:38) instructs us to place techeiles threads on our tzitzis. The Gemara (Menachos 43b) explains that when a person sees the turquoise threads, they should remind him of his spiritual obligations, for techeiles is similar in color to the sea, which in turn resembles the appearance of the sky, which is comparable to Hashem’s Kisay HaKovad [Throne of Glory]. Why did Hashem command us to apply a dye that is so many steps removed from its ultimate purpose instead of requiring the use of a different color that is directly like the Kisay HaKovad?
Rav Senter suggests that the indirect chain is intended to teach us that even when Hashem’s Providence is not clearly visible, it is nevertheless present, even though the passage of a lengthy period of time is sometimes necessary for it to become revealed.
As the Megillah unfolds, the veil of confusion is slowly lifted, and by the end, it has become clear that the entire series of events was Divinely orchestrated. Accordingly, the techeiles robes that Mordechai wore symbolized the awareness of Hashem’s involvement and protection, even when it seems hidden, and it was this appreciation of Hashem’s master plan that generated such happiness and celebration.
Like the Jews in Shushan, we also experience moments of doubt in our lives and dark periods that can feel insurmountable. At such times, it behooves us to remember the message of the techeiles, that even when there is no salvation in sight, Hashem is hiding just beyond the curtain, guiding every second of our lives with absolute precision.
Why Are the Jewish People Referred to As the Rose of Yaakov?
Before the sun rises, a rose remains closed, with only its outer petals visible. However, when the sun rises, the rose immediately opens, revealing many petals within. Just as the inner petals were always there, only hidden, so too sometimes Jews may get lost in the wide world, to the extent that they become very far from Hashem and His Torah. However, although they may not even appear Jewish from the outside, their essence as a Jew always remains. (Rav Shlomo Ganzfried, as heard from Rabbi Ari Jacobson)
