R Yitzchak Shifman Torah Classes

The second party turns the tides, Haman is hung and Mordechai is elevated, counteractive letters are sent supporting the Jews and nations become fearful of them

3 controversial actions performed/paskened by Rebbi

The mitzva of "simcha" is best achieved through gladdening those who need the extra support.

Reasons the Megilla is pushed back to previous week and other events are pushed forward to coming week when they occur on Shabbos

Esther approaches the king on day 3 of fast and initiates her plan with party 1 and then requests party 2, Haman wishes to kill Mordechai on gallows he built but conversely he is required to parade Mordechai around the city and then is rushed to party 2

True simcha is achieved through gladdening others, particularly those who need the extra support.

Conditions necessary to classify as big city and not village (and cannot read earlier), events that are pushed to following week (unlike Megilla reading)

Mordechai relates the immediacy of the need for Esther to plea with the king on behalf of the Jews and the Jews of Shushan begin to fast for 3 days in support of this dangerous mission to resolve the decree against them

Gemara Berachot 55a, Midrash Tanchuma on Parshat Vayakhel 2, Nefesh HaChaim 4:5- discussion identifying the "chachmei lev" and how to receive chochma from Hashem

Haman is elevated and conflict with Mordechai begins, Haman plans destruction of Jews and Achashveirosh signs off and sends out letters

Explanation of events and order of Parshiyot based on the debate between Rashi and Ramban

Discussion of the ways to create "pirsumei nissa" in order to say beracha on Megilla reading, distinctions between "zmana"/not, including women, etc.

King decrees process to choose new queen and Esther is chosen but doesn't reveal her backstory, Mordechai foils assassination attempt on King

Debate if need to seek minyan when reading Megilla in its time vs not

Debate if Mishkan was an outcome of the sin of the eigel hazahav or not

When mitzvot are done if Purim falls on Shabbat

Persian King Achashveirosh makes parties flaunting his fabulous wealth, Queen Vashti is killed at the advice of the advisor Memuchan

The mitzva of "prika" ( Shemot 23:5) includes the idea of helping those that help themselves, and this has application in giving charity in contrast to helping someone repent.

Kli Yakar quotes three approaches in explaining the prohibition

Ohr HaChaim teaches three necessary elements to properly absorb the Torah

Shemot Rabba (Mishpatim) 31:5- future punishment for lenders with interest and the reality of poor people.

Ohr HaChaim explains the three ingredients required to recieve and absorb the Torah

The Torah compares people and trees and this can be explained on various levels, lessons fitting for Tu BiShvat

The new year for trees is a curious phenomena and the complaints of Zevulun is explained based on a reference in Shir HaShirim

The concept of "chamushim" highlights the step needed to recieve protection from Hashem, and understanding the "she'eino yodeya li'shol" is the method of creating this unity

Reason Mishna changes the variable from Reisha to Seifa and discussion of halacha when the 14th falls on Friday

The idea of leaving Egypt "chamushim" highlights that we are protected when we are united, and one way to accomplish this is to understand the son who "does not know to ask"

Shemot Rabba (Va'era) 87:4- through the reward of the righteous and the suffering and recognition of the wicked Hashem is ultimately honored

While one source would imply that the underlying cause for the suffrage in Egypt was due to a misdeed of Avraham, another would imply it was due the lacking in his descendants. Which one was it?

The need for the Egyptian suffering and it's resolution are a powerful lesson in the necessity of Jewish unity.

Shemot Rabba (Shemot) 1:28- Backstory to Moshe killing the Mitzri and two Jews fighting

Series of teachings of R' Yehoshua ben Levi and determination as to underlying motivation for leniency of villagers to read earlier

Ranking of mitzvos that take precedence when have opportunity to perform two of them (megilla, avoda, Torah, meis mitzva)

Sources for 15th fot walled cities and debate if walled from Yehoshua bin Nun/Achashveirosh, establishment of the "osios sofios" and Targumim

The "complaining" of Yaakov in his conversation with Pharaoh requires some sort of an explanation.

Can read Megilla from 11th-15th of Adar, hints in verses for the extra dates, various opinions if applies today

Backstory for the rebuke that Yaakov gave to his first three sons on his deathbed.

Did the brothers and Yosef ultimately resolves their underlying conflict or not?

Although the plan of Yosef had been to clarify the unity amongst the brothers, the storyline would not dictate this in certain terms.

Four approaches to explain the intentions of Yosef in his treatment of his brothers and father, and a final question that requires resolution.

4 potential explanations for the way Yosef treated his brothers and father, and a question regarding the distinction between the incident of Yaakov and Rachel vs brothers and Benyamin

There seems to be a discrepancy in focus regarding the miracle that is more important, and the legacy of the righteous Chashmonaim remains slightly tarnished in light of the outcome of their dynasty

The converts may have reverted to paganism but the impact would still be felt.

Bereishit Rabba (Miketz) 89:6,7- Specific steps arranged by Hashem for Yosef to be elevated and continuum of story, Sar HaMashkim was involved and highlights "accursed" kindness

Seemingly contradictory implications can potentially be resolved with an understanding of the issue of wanting to live in "tranquility".

A perspective on the age-old reality of antisemitism

Kli Yakar explains the importance of this name change and it's reference to the previous redemption and the future one.

Although the reason for Eisav's hatred towards Yaakov seems to have been resolved, the enmity nonetheless continues...

The historical explanation was preordained and highlights the uniqueness of Yehuda.

Bereishit Rabba (Vayechi) 98:6- source lies in blessing of Yaakov

The life of Yehuda and the blessing of Yaakov