New York, NY

A Poet Laureate is a poet officially appointed by a government, NGO or conferring institution.� They are expected to compose poems for special events and occasions. After a six month search, Agudath Israel of America has officially hired a Poet Laureate, Tuvya Lieberman.� The Poet�s first submission deals with Purim and appears below.

Come one and come all, did you hear the news?

The king�s making a party and inviting the Jews!

To go or stay home? It�s not black or white

But Mordechai�s telling us it just isn’t right

The food will be kosher, it will be a feast

We should go and show our faces at least

Don�t risk disappointing the powerful king

Our lives are in the hands of his signet ring

So many cheshbonos, such a decision

Shades of gray that are clouding our vision

But gedolim�s da�as Torah helps them to see

It�s just black and white, they have true clarity

Fast forward a few years, Haman�s in power

Everyone bowing, before him they cower

But Mordechai�s stubborn, he stands proud and tall

How can he dare to endanger us all?!

Doesn�t he realize the implications?

His actions can have major ramifications!

But to Mordechai Hatzaddik it is very clear

Hashem is the only One we have to fear

When we don�t understand, we just have to accept

Even if they tell you that right�s really left

Cuz gedolim�s da�as Torah helps them to see

What�s black and what�s white, they have true clarity

Sometimes we too face decisions like these

Juggling conflicting priorities

Like new technology that seems so exciting

What could go wrong, it looks so inviting

Or a job so appealing but puts values at risk

It�s a great opportunity, cannot be missed

The myriad shailos that come up along the way

Discuss with da�as Torah to see what they say

So the message of Purim is things ARE black and white

In every situation, there�s wrong and there�s right

Wishing you a Purim where you�re able to see

What�s wrong and what�s right, to gain true clarity.

Courtesty of ??????? ??????? ????? ?????