Opinion

A story has been brewing in my mind ever since I returned from a life-altering journey. My name is David Shakhmoroff, a 24-year-old first-generation American with roots tracing back to Uzbekistan, and I am here to take you on a ride through history, memory, and self-discovery.

(March 19, 2024 / JNS) Courage and identity are often our most powerful allies.

For many of us this year, Purim festivities won’t arrive soon enough. The Jewish holiday that is always marked by joyful celebrations seems to offer its own unique antidote to the challenges and pain that Jews everywhere are facing right now. For one night, we can forget our worries about the hostages, the war and antisemitism at home. We can don our masks and celebrate Mordechai and Queen Esther’s bravery. Purim, the calendar’s happiest Jewish holiday, emboldens our spirit and renews our sense of hope, even at the darkest of times.

In the midst of making a mishloach manos delivery run this past Sunday, I drove by my local public library, which had signs outside about early voting. Since I’ve turned 18, I never missed an election, and my reward for being a “prime voter” is a sizable amount of mail, texts, and phone calls. How was I not aware that New York’s presidential primary is happening this week?

Purim is a holiday of hidden miracles. In the Purim story, one can observe the Almighty’s hand stealthily moving the pawns across the global chessboard, delivering salvation to the Jews.

The biggest news from the floor of Congress was Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s speech telling Israel to have new elections to get rid of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This was more than a despicable speech; it was an unprecedented interference into a democratically-elected government of an American ally. It’s also a statement from the Democratic Party to American Jews: “We don’t care about your interests.”

I caught up with Leah, who had just spent the last few hours running from fridge to oven, and sink to counter. She seems so joyous cooking for so many people - roast chickens, potato kugel, and various meats - that I didn’t want to leave her kitchen. Purim is around the corner and she is so thrilled that many of her fellow Jews are going to have a good Purim seudah.