Q:
Some people say that Yom Kippur means that it’s Yom Ki-Purim, that it’s a day like Purim. Could you explain that?
A:
Of course, it’s only a joke, but I’ll explain the joke. It means that Purim, if it’s properly celebrated, then it’s possible for us to rise great levels.
On Yom Kippur you can’t take in any fuel – but on Purim you can fuel. And you can refuel too. And therefore, on Purim you can soar to great heights. Of course, if there’s nothing in your airplane except fuel, so what’s the purpose? You’ll ride higher, and then you’ll pour in more fuel and ride higher – but if you don’t know where you’re going, so what’s the purpose? But if you have a mission, then there’s a purpose in fueling.
But Yom Kippur since you can’t refuel, so it’s Yom Ki-Purim. It’s a day like Purim. It means you have to get all the exhilaration of Purim in without benefit of fuel. That’s what it means. That’s a big job of course, but what can you do?
And that’s what the joker who said that frum joke meant when he said Yom Kippur means Yom Ki-Purim. But don’t quote me on that.
TAPE # 212 (March 1978)