dvar Torah on Purim - poem style

yentaof8

Wed, Mar 19 2008, 1:55 pm

We had a N'shei masquerade/farbrengen where everyone dressed up and brought 1 Shalach Monos and had to say a related Dvar Torah. I got inspired by Sunshine to share mine which I wrote in poem form which accompanied dietetic treats for reasons you'll see soon:
When a drunken Achashverosh called for Vashti to appear at his party wearing just a crown
The Medrash explains that this summons Vashti had to turn down
Humbleness was not her excuse nor Modesty her reason
She had grown a tail and rather than appear in public, she chose to face treason
The Maharal provides a fascinating explanation
re: the tail in the Medrasha's interpretation
It does not mean Vashti grew a tail per se
Rather, Vashti noticed she gained weight and felt heavier and bloated that day
Suddenly, her once-svelte body that everyone used to admire,
had flabby thighs and around her middle, a spare tire
There's no way she was going to attend Achashverosh's party looking this way,
Because Vashti's beauty was fleeting, tarnished by a few extra pounds, and was not here to stay.
Contrast this episode with the eternal beauty of Esther the Queen
It was her inner charm that shone through and made her appearance pristine
Even during the beauty contest, she refused make-up and lotion
Yet Achashverosh still chose her and showed her love and devotion
It didn't matter to him that her complexion appeared green
He still made her his wife, and promoted her to Esther, his queen
Even though Esther had at her disposal the most extravagant dresses
She remained Tzinua and refused any excesses
For a Bas Melech's beauty remains penima
Her elegance is subtle and her exquisiteness , an enigma
So I hope you enjoy this dietetic treat
But remember it's your inner beauty and values that we find attractive and sweet.

HAPPY PURIM!!