isn’t it time we faced the world as it is, became part of the world, and still held on to our traditions to the fullest extent?! “
Very intersting point. A very similar point was made in the comparison of Purim and Yom Kippurim, that Yom Kippur identifies itself by its very name as a “day LIKE Purim.” What does this mean?
It’s saying that in one respect, Purim might be viewed as an even holier day than the day that is LIKE it. Why? The reason is simple. It is very easy to be extremely spiritual and reflective and connected to Hashem, acting with proper Torah values and hashkafos when one is fasting and in Shul all day davening. The REAL test, however, is how one conducts himself when he is partying, drinking, celebrating,etc. as we do on Purim. If he can maintain that same spirituality, connection to Hashem, and act with proper Torah values under THAT circumstance, then he is truly living a Torah life.
Anyone can be a tzaddik when adding more and more gedarim. The question is, how do we behave when we do NOT have those gedarim around us?