Silence is the world’s natural resting state, yet to us, it can feel deeply unsettling.

The very concept of “awkward silence” is built on the suspicion that something is wrong when there is no sound. We grow uncomfortable in the absence of noise. We reach for conversation, music, distraction, anything to fill the void.

According to an article in Psychology Today by Dr. Francine Todder, not only are people wary of silence, but they will also go to great lengths to avoid it. She states that “Psychological research confirms that silence is so unpleasant for some people that they would rather self-administer electric shocks, while deprived of other stimulation and sound, as an alternative to staying with their own thoughts.” We so greatly desire noise and activity that we will bring ourselves pain just to escape silence. 

Few places seem to advocate for noise and activity more than Purim. It is a holiday commonly associated with sound, drowning out Haman’s name, boisterous singing, and lively dancing. Many of the defining mitzvot of the day are active and filled with noise, giving gifts to the poor, delivering mishloach manot, and gathering for a festive meal.

However, one of the primary obligations of the day simply involves hearing and listening.

There is a striking tension........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)