There are times in life when we may feel despondent, believing that all hope is lost. We may hear a distressing medical diagnosis, face unexpected financial setbacks, or watch loved ones make painful mistakes. In these moments, we must remember the profound lesson of Purim: Our lives and fortunes can suddenly turn around. What appears to be a harbinger of misfortune can, in an instant, transform into divine salvation.

The Torah and Jewish tradition are replete with examples of this theme. Moshe Rabbeinu, a humble shepherd at the age of 80, believed his life was settling into quiet retirement. Yet, at the burning bush, his destiny reversed, and he became the redeemer of the Jewish people. Similarly, Yosef HaTzaddik was thrown into a pit by his own brothers, sold into slavery, and later imprisoned under false accusations. But in a sudden twist, he was elevated to viceroy of Egypt, saving not only his family but the entire region from famine.

In Sefer Daniel (chapter 3), we read of Chananya, Mishael and Azarya, who were cast into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. Their fate seemed sealed. Yet, through divine intervention, they emerged unscathed, leading the mighty Babylonian king to acknowledge Hashem’s greatness. What appeared to be certain doom turned into a miraculous demonstration of Hashem’s presence in the world.

As we approach the joyous holiday of Purim, we are reminded of one of the most astonishing reversals in Jewish history. The Jewish people faced annihilation under Haman’s wicked decree, yet through divine orchestration, courage,and unity, their fate was miraculously reversed. “V’nahafoch hu”—everything was turned upside down. The very signet ring used by Haman to seal the decree of destruction was transferred to Mordechai to issue a new decree of salvation. The gallows built for Mordechai became the instrument of Haman’s demise. The day marked for Jewish destruction was transformed, instead, into a day of triumph, light and joy.

This message resonates on a personal level as well. Life’s challenges may seem insurmountable, but with faith and perseverance, trials can become opportunities for blessing. How often do we hear of someone given a dire medical prognosis only to experience an unexpected recovery? A struggling single parent who loses a job may soon find a better, more lucrative opportunity. What seems to be an ending may, in reality, be a new beginning orchestrated by divine providence.

King David echoes this sentiment in Tehillim: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (30:5). Kohelet (Ecclesiastes 3:1) reminds us, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Though we may experience a season of hardship, a season of joy inevitably follows.

The Talmud (Megillah 14a) teaches that even in the darkest moments, salvation is already in motion. Before Haman’s decree was issued, Hashem had already set Esther on the throne, preparing the way for deliverance. Similarly, the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:29) relates that before the suffering of the Jewish people intensified in Egypt, the redeemer, Moshe, had already been born. These stories remind us that Hashem’s salvation is often hidden within the very challenges we face.

Even today, as we witness global turmoil and threats against Israel, we hold steadfast to our belief in divine reversal. The enemies of the Jewish people, like the ancient Persian Empire, may plot against us, but just as in the days of Purim, we anticipate Hashem’s intervention, turning their schemes into our salvation.

This is why we repeat the phrase from the Purim Megillah, “The Jews had light, joy, gladness and honor,” every time we recite Havdala at the start of a new week. It serves as a reminder that no matter the challenges before us, Hashem can bring about a complete turnaround in an instant.

May we soon witness our own “Purim miracle,” experiencing divine reversals in our personal lives and the redemption of Klal Yisrael speedily in our days. Amen.

Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic, clinical psychologist and a member of the American Psychology-Law Society. He is the president of Congregation Torah Ohr in Boca Raton, Florida. He can be reached at [email protected].