The Treasury of Free Gifts:
The Imrei Noam (Purim, Ois 44) writes that the day of Purim is so great that Hashem opens His treasure houses and grants everyone “free gifts”. He quotes Sefarim Hakedoshim that say that the word “Megillah” has the same numerical value as the word “mazla”, which indicates that when we read the Megillah, we can benefit from the “mazalos” from Above, which provide free gifts from Hashem’s treasures.
He adds that Haman tried to prevent this. That is why he specifically wanted to pay for the right to “buy” the Jews (Esther 3:9). He wanted to use his money to annul Hashem treasure trove of free gifts and to create a situation wherein Jews would only be rewarded according to their deeds, and not given anything for free. Hashem, however, did not allow this to happen. He had the money returned to Haman, so that he would do his evil act for free, and, in kind, Klal Yisroel can be rewarded for free.
For this reason, we give tzedakah on Purim to anyone who stretches out his hand, even if he does not deserve it – as Hashem gives us rewards on this day even if we do not deserve it.
In this vein, the Sifsei Tzadik (Purim, Ois 52) relates that his grandfather, the Chiddushei Harim zy”a, once was full of simcha as he sat at his table on Purim, and he said, “I am full of joy right now because although I know that I am a ‘klak’ (unworthy person), I can still receive a free gift, as is stated (Bamidbor 6:25): ‘May Hashem shine His face upon you and show favor to you.’ Knowing that He provides for me with free gifts is the greatest feeling of experiencing the light of His face.”
Yeshuos on Purim:
Sefer Hachachmah M’Ayin (page 155) relates that Rav Naftali of Lizhensk zy”a (son of Rav Eliezer zt”l, the son of Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk zy”a) did everything in his power to avoid becoming a Rebbe and leader of chasidim. Left with no other choice, the chasidim accepted his desire not to serve as a Rebbe. One year on erev Yom Kippur, however, he was worried that a chasid who was afraid of the Yom Hadin might bring him a kvitel. Therefore, he sat next to his wife as he ate the seudah. (Rav Yitzchok of Stutchin zy”a related that even simple farmers were not accustomed to sitting next to their wives as they ate.) Thus, when chasidim came to give him kvitlach and saw him sitting like this, they turned around and left.
The Stutchiner Rebbe related that one year on Purim, Rav Naftali dressed up like a Rebbe. He put on his father’s beketche, banged on the table and announced, “Anyone who needs a yeshua can ask for it now.” There was a man there whose wife was paralyzed and he called out, “Rebbe, I need a yeshua.” He ran to bring his wife into the room, and, as soon as she entered, she was able to stand up and walk.
When everyone saw this, they began hurrying over to Rav Naftali to ask for brachos for their own needs. Rav Naftali then grabbed the corners of his beketche and said, “Okay, we have played around enough!”
Blessing Other Jews:
A man who was in need of a yeshua once approached Rav Aharon of Belz zy”a on Purim and said, “The Shulchan Aruch rules that if someone stretches out his hand to you on Purim, you must give him what he asks. My hand is outstretched to the Rebbe and I am asking for a bracha.”
Rav Aharon turned to his shamash, R’ Shalom Fogel z”l, and said, “Shalom, bring the Shulchan Aruch.” He opened it and looked at the halacha and said, “Yes. It does say that.” He then blessed the man.
Auspicious Days for Good Hashpa’os:
The pasuk states (Esther 9:28): “These days shall be remembered and established“.
Sefer Toras Chaim states that during these days, whenever something good is said about Klal Yisroel, it immediately comes to fruition. This is hinted to in this verse. It can be understood to be saying that as soon as we are remembered in some good way, it is immediately established and put into effect. Therefore, one should use these days properly and thereby merit Hashem’s mercy and kindness.
