It is well known that the holiday of Purim gets its name from the "Pur", the "lot" that Haman cast to determine when to slaughter the Jews in the kingdom of Achashveirosh. Indeed, the Megillah itself states that the Pur, the lot, is the source for the name of the holiday (9:26). The question is, however, that Haman cast only one lot; if so, the holiday should have been called "Pur" in the singular, or perhaps Yom HaPur, the day of the lot, again in the singular. Why the name Purim, in the plural, suggesting that there was more than one lot?

Rabbi Chaim Friedlander zt"l, the Mashgiach of the famed Ponevezh Yeshiva in Bnai Brak, suggested that Haman was a representative of those who believe that everything in the world happens by chance, that there is no order or control, but only random chance events. Hence his use of a "lot" which works by pure chance. Hashem however, who in fact controls and supervises the world and all that is in it, demonstrated that nothing occurs by happenstance, but that He is actually in charge of everything. And so, the very day which "chance" determined would be a day of destruction of the Jews turned out to be a day of salvation and joy, because Hashem willed it to be so,. Consequently, there were in a way two lots or two aspects of the lot - the lot which Haman wanted cast, and that which Hashem "cast" in favor of the Jews. Hence the name Purim, in the plural form.

It would do us all well to recall this lesson of Purim while engaged in our many festivities. Hashem is aware and in control of everything that goes on in this world; nothing happens by change or at random as Haman suggested. Although we may often, or at least sometimes find, His ways difficult to comprehend, we must constantly remain committed to His Torah and His Mitzvos. Indeed, it its to be hoped that the experience of Purim will in fact result in an increased commitment to Torah and Mitzvos. Let me close by wishing everyone a joyous and meaningful Purim.