Purim is a time for fressing, partying and making lots of noise with our graggers.  We don costumes and masks and devour our archenemy Haman by eating his three cornered hat in the form of a delectable cake.  It’s a Jewish Mardi Gras children and adults eagerly anticipate every year.

New Orleans lost thousands of its citizens to Hurricane Katrina.  The survivors have been battling the Federal Government for rebuilding and resettling funds while mourning their losses.  The city needed to supplant the cries of the desperate with the outpouring of joy, which is their Mardi Gras Parade.  It was a release of anxiety, pain and tension that had been gripping the city since the storm.

Soon, Jews the world over will begin the festivities of Purim, which may temporarily overcome our own fears.  Celebrations are important because they restore good feelings in our lives and a positive attitude toward the world around us.  But we must never forget that when the parties are over, the noise should continue.

I remember, years ago, when I lived in a suburb of New York City.  The subway station was just a few blocks away, which enabled me to take a nice walk, on days when the weather permitted.

On my way to the subway I passed an old cemetery.  Needless to say, it was a very quiet block from which very little sound emanated.  While it was peaceful, it was also quiescent.  I was aware that nothing really mattered here any longer.  Whatever activity these people had seen was long passed, and time was forever at a standstill.

On the next block I walked past an elementary school, and the hour was such that the kids were just gathering in the school yard preparing to face the excitement of another day of activity and learning.  There were various games of dodge ball, tag, monkey bar climbing, all to the tune of cries of joy and fulfillment along with anticipation of a future where much would happen.

By the time I reached the subway I realized that the noise from the school yard was the real sign of hope for our society.  It is a positive noise; a noise of challenge, ideas, imagination and most of all motivation to make things happen.

This is why we must shout loud enough for our governments to hear us.  They must pay attention to our demands and recognize our fears, hopes and aspirations.  If their response is a repugnant lie then we must shout louder so they can hear our opposition.

Too many of us are willing to join the partying and merry-making, but shrink away from making noise of a more serious nature.  It is easy to criticize from our armchairs while not taking on the responsibility of positive change.

There are any numbers of examples of how the noises we make are misused.  We go from the happy and positive noises of Purim or Mardi Gras, and then either sink into silence or raise our voices in fear and negativity.  It is time for positive noise to drown out all the naysayers by demanding we at least try to bring the world closer together in mutual respect, understanding and ultimately peace.

Won’t it be wonderful when we can raise our voices only in celebration because there will be so much more to celebrate?