KAREN WOLFERS RAPAPORT: Esther's name comes from the Hebrew word “hester,” which means hidden. In the entire Book of Esther, we do not see the name of God. This is unlike any other of our holy texts. The omission of God's name illuminates the essence of this holiday. During this time period, God’s face is hidden.
God is always with us. We our His children. He is our father. But sometimes, He cloaks Himself in order for us to feel want, to feel need, and to feel void. There are times we all feel “Hester Panim,” when God’s face is hidden
Purim and Hester Panim: The opportunity of a lifetime. God is hidden, and we uncover Him and ourselves in the process.
Rangatiratūmeke: Don't ban Iranian pomegranate juice.






