When we talk of biblical interpretation, we usually think of the writings of the commentators, such as are found in the margins of our Humashim (or on the second page of our weekly synagogue bulletin!)
However, there have also been interpretations of the Bible in art (think of Chagall windows) or in music (e.g. the Jeremiah symphony of my fellow Bostonian Leonard Bernstein.)
The act of reading or cantillation of the Torah contains elements of interpretation. For the past several years, we have adopted several customs regarding the reading of the Megillah at Chevra Shas.
Verses describing sad events are sung according to the tune of the Biblical Book of Eichah (Lamentations.) Thus, when chapter 2, verse 6 describes how King Nebuchadnezzar exiled the Jews from their homeland, the very tune attempts to bring out the sadness. And indeed, as happy a day as Purim may be, we can never forget the exile and the problems brought with it.
Until chapter 6, the Jews are in danger of being exterminated. The story begins to turn around with Chapter 6. We are told that the king cannot sleep; he orders the Chronicles of his kingdom to be read to him (maybe he thought they would be so boring, he would fall asleep!) and realizes that Mordecai had never been properly honoured for having saved the king’s life.
Our rabbis in the midrash, reading between the lines, tell us that the king who couldn’t sleep refers not only to Ahasuerosh, but also to the King of kings, to God. That is to say, God hears the cries of His people, and will never allow the Jewish people to be destroyed. To bring out this idea, we sing the word hamelech, “the king” according to the tune with we we sing hamelech on the High Holy days.
Indeed, this is the message that our rabbis saw in the Megillah. On the one hand, this is the only biblical Book where God’s name is not mentioned at all, But on the other hand, if we read between the lines, the hand of God is seen throughout the story.
And perhaps this is a lesson for life: if we read between the lines of our daily existence, we can appreciate the miracles and blessings of God.
With best wishes for a freilichen, a joyous Purim, and a happy and Kosher Pesah.

Rabbi Menahem White