The Gemara in Chullin (139b) asks, “Where do we find Mordechai in the Torah?” [It also asks about Haman and Esther.] The answer is from the verse in Shemos 30:23 (Parshas Ki Sisa) where it says to take, “Mor dror,” a type of spice. The Aramaic Targum is “Maira Dachia,” which is similar to the name Mordechai.
Whereas the Esther reference makes sense, that she was found in a time of “hester panim, when G-d’s face was hidden,” meaning it was a dark time in history, what does this spice have to do with Mordechai?
The commentaries suggest that this was an important spice, and Mordechai was an important leader. Further, fragrant spices make the world more pleasant, and this is what Torah scholars do. But there is an added level here.
The Torah, at this point, was telling Moshe to use these spices to make a perfumed oil with which to anoint the Mishkan and its vessels. Not only that, but the Kohanim, and future kings would also be anointed with it. In fact, the Gemara in Horayos (11b) discusses the miraculous properties of this oil, in that though it was used to anoint many things and people, it was not diminished.
Perhaps Mordechai is alluded to in the Torah precisely here, since his job was to sanctify and elevate the Jewish People. Our Sages teach that when Moshiach comes (today please!!!!), all the holidays will fade, but Purim will remain. This is because Purim was a time when we united and returned to Hashem. It is our special talent, that we have learned how to come close to our Heavenly Father, and to bring Him into our lives. This is something that will never be diminished, much as the anointing oil made with the spice that reminds us of Mordechai and his mission, lasted forever. Happy Purim!
