A Feldheim Publication. $15
Anyone looking for fresh perspective on the upcoming holidays
of Purim, Pesach and Shavuos will welcome the release of
Rabbi Travis's latest book, Days of Redemption.
As in his previous works, Rabbi Travis imparts new insights
into laws and customs while telling a wide range of stories
about Chazal and more recent Gedolim, as well as
anecdotes from his own life.
Many less-known halachos are detailed, as well as the reasons
behind various well-known minhagim. The book answers
questions such as: In what language may Megillas Esther be
read? What kinds of Purim costumes are permissible? Why do we
refrain from elective surgery on erev Yom Tov? Is it
preferable to use a candle or a flashlight for bedikas
chometz? Are peanuts kitniyos?
This information is not imparted in a dry way. Rabbi Travis
always keeps the reader absorbed and provokes them to think.
His stories are authentic and fascinating examples which show
how halacha and custom have evolved.
He tells the story of the woman whose audience with the
Sultan 1,000 years ago led Rashi to make a psak
regarding fasting on Taanis Esther. We also hear a story
from the Arizal which shows the dangers of mourning on Lag
BaOmer.
Rabbi Travis draws our attention to how Hashem's hidden Hand
redeemed us in the time of Mordechai and Esther. He displayed
open miracles and wonders in our redemption at Pesach, and
drew us close to His Glory at Har Sinai on Shavuos.
But Rabbi Travis's main point is that we are constantly
surrounded by Hashem's miracles and we must train our eyes to
discern them. In his introduction, Rabbi Travis relates many
miracles that he personally has experienced, some of which
are truly amazing, while others could be considered more
"ordinary."
"In focusing on these spectacular displays of Hashem's
kindness, there is a danger that `smaller' miracles will go
unnoticed," he writes.
Indeed this is the pervading message of the book. The
festivals of Purim, Pesach and Shavuos are times to reflect
on the spectacular miracles Hashem has done for the Jewish
people. But Rabbi Travis uses this as a springboard to
encourage us to see the Hashgochoh in our everyday
lives.
"Before the arrival of Moshiach, it will be shown clearly to
the Jewish people that we can depend on no one other than our
Father in Heaven," he quotes from the gemara (Sotah
49b). Though we live in an age of hester ponim, when
Hashem hides His face from us, we nevertheless turn to Him
and pray for help. He is involved in our daily lives and
always has been. Purim, Pesach and Shavuos are the perfect
time to focus on this fact.
From the month of Adar, when we experienced physical
redemption for annihilation, through Pesach when Hashem
Himself publicly smote the firstborn and led us out of
Mitzrayim, to Shavuos when He redeemed us spiritually with
His holy Torah — we grow towards the realization of what
Hashem really wants of us. We must recognize Him, turn to
Him, and serve Him wholeheartedly with simcha and
tuv lev.
The days preceding the Redemption are the darkest — but even
so, says Rabbi Travis, we can glimpse the dawn of the
Redemption even now.
