Sefer HaMitzvot

Close out the series with Part 4—where the Purim story doesn't just “end with Haman”, but turns into a deeper lesson about preparation, dates, self-defense, Jewish unity, and what Purim is really celebrating.In this final class on Megillat Esther, we walk through the end of the Megillah alongside key insights from Chazal: the king's paranoia, Haman's downfall, what actually saved the Jews, why the decree couldn't simply be “undone,” and how Purim became an eternal Jewish holiday—complete with Mishloach Manot and Matanot La'Evyonim.You'll also leave with clear, practical clarity on:Why the war was on the 13th of Adar, but Purim is celebrated on the 14thWhy Shushan (and walled cities like Jerusalem) celebrate on the 15thThe powerful message behind the Megillah's “anticlimactic” ending: taxesIf you know someone who'd appreciate these “small but important tidbits” before Purim—share this class with them.Chapters / Key Moments0:01 – Why learning before the holiday changes the holiday2:44 – Recap: the decree, the dates, and the 3-day fast during Pesach6:08 – The king can't sleep: Mordechai's “unpaid debt” returns7:50 – Haman's mistake: describing royal honor… for Mordechai12:34 – Esther reveals her identity + Haman panics16:45 – The king walks out, returns, and Haman's fate is sealed21:35 – The story isn't over: the decree still stands24:52 – Why the king can't “repeal” a royal decree30:46 – The war: 13 Adar worldwide, 14 Adar only in Shushan33:13 – A crucial detail: they did NOT take any plunder35:46 – Why Purim is on the 14th; what “Shushan Purim” means38:59 – Establishing Purim: Mishloach Manot + Matanot La'Evyonim44:09 – Why the Megillah ends with “taxes” (and what it teaches us)49:34 – Gratitude, exile vs redemption, and closing messageTakeaway for PurimPurim is not only about surviving—it's about unity, responsibility for one another, and entering the chag prepared. This is why giving (to friends and to those in need) is part of the very DNA of the day.Enjoy Purim—and spread the inspiration.#Purim #MegillatEsther #Torah #Chazal #JewishLearning #MishloachManot #MatanotLaEvyonim #ShushanPurimThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

In Part 3 of 4 of our Megillat Esther series, we reach one of the most dramatic turning points in the Purim story: Haman's genocidal decree goes out across the empire, Mordechai's public mourning shakes the streets, and Esther is called upon to risk her life by approaching the king uninvited.We explore:The terrifying language of the decree—young and old, children and women—and how Haman “incentivized” the empire by allowing plunder of Jewish property.The Gemara's striking insight: the king handing over the signet ring moved the Jewish people to teshuvah more than 48 prophets and 7 prophetesses—and what that teaches about spiritual wake-up calls.The confidential back-and-forth between Mordechai and Esther, Esther's fear (and the deeper interpretation of her hesitation), and Mordechai's famous message: “Who knows if for this moment you became queen?”Esther's courageous plan: a three-day fast, even during Pesach, and her decision to act with total reliance on the prayers of her people.Esther's “strange” requests—inviting Haman to a private banquet… twice—and the Gemara's many explanations that reveal Esther's brilliance and strategy.Haman's inner world: how one person refusing to bow can destroy someone who seems to have everything—and the powerful lessons about jealousy, insecurity, and perspective.The providential “night of insomnia” that flips the entire story: the king can't sleep, Mordechai's unrewarded loyalty is discovered, and Haman unwittingly sets up Mordechai's honor parade.We close with a preview of Part 4, where we'll complete the Megillah—Haman's downfall, the salvation of the Jewish people, and Esther's role in establishing Purim as a lasting holiday.

In this session, we continue our deep dive into Megillat Esther, exploring the darker realities behind the “beauty pageant,” the introduction of Mordechai and Esther, and the political events that set the stage for the Purim miracle. Along the way, we bring key Talmud insights and classic commentaries to uncover the deeper meaning behind the story.What we coverThe “pageant” in Chapter 2—and how some commentaries portray it as coercive (including an Ibn Ezra approach)Why Mordechai's location in Shushan mattersEsther's dual name: Hadassah vs. Esther, and what Chazal highlight about her character and presenceEsther's modesty and strategy: hiding her identity and refusing extravaganceThe assassination plot of Bigthan and Teresh—and how Mordechai uncovers itThe rise of Haman and Mordechai's refusal to bowThe king's signet ring as a turning point—and a powerful Chazal teaching about wake-up calls and teshuvahA broader Torah frame: the Amalek/Agag thread and the legacy of Saul, Agag, and Samuel (see 1 Samuel, ch. 15)Why Adar isn't “bad luck”: reframing Adar through the life of MosesTimestamps (approx.)00:00 – Recap of Part 1 (Vashti, the feast, the search for a queen)02:10 – The “pageant” through classic commentary03:30 – Introducing Mordechai in Shushan07:40 – Esther/Hadassah: identity, background, and Chazal13:45 – Why Esther hides her identity + her modest approach18:10 – Esther becomes queen + royal celebration19:15 – Bigthan & Teresh plot and its significance24:00 – Haman's promotion and the bowing decree28:10 – The genocide plot: lots (Pur) from Nisan to Adar36:30 – The signet ring moment and a major rabbinic insight42:25 – Amalek, Agag, and Saul: “misplaced mercy” as a Torah theme57:30 – Adar, Moshe's life, and closing preview

In this first class of our 4-part series leading up to Purim, we begin exploring Megillat Esther through the lens of the Gemara (Masechet Megillah)—where Chazal unpack the story with depth, drama, and meaning.Part 1 sets the historical stage, introduces Achashverosh's world, and explains a foundational idea: the Megillah was written under Persian rule, so its messages often come through hints and coded language—inviting us to read carefully and connect the dots.What we coverWhy we start learning Purim in the “30-day red zone”Why we don't say Hallel on Purim (three classic approaches)The exile timeline: Israel → Babylonia → PersiaAchashverosh's extravagant 180-day feast + the 7-day Shushan feastVashti's refusal and the ripple effect of royal decreesThe beauty-pageant system and what it reveals about the kingdomIntroducing Mordechai and Esther—and the hidden hand of Hashem (without His Name appearing)Timestamps00:03 Intro + series overview06:07 Why no Hallel on Purim?09:27 How the Jews arrived in Persia13:50 The 180-day feast and political strategy21:29 Vashti and the royal fallout31:34 The beauty contest + its consequences35:43 Mordechai & Esther; hidden miracles and Tanakh allusions

101. Berachot 32A | Moshe's Prayer & Defending Am Yisrael - Is it ok to "Argue" with God in Prayer?In this powerful shiur on Berachot 32a, we explore one of the most stunning models of tefillah in the entire Gemara: Moshe Rabbeinu's prayer after the sin of the Golden Calf.Moshe doesn't just “ask” Hashem for mercy — he pushes, pleads, argues, and defends Am Yisrael like the greatest leader of all time. And the Gemara reveals something deeply moving: sometimes Hashem is waiting for us to fight back in prayer — not because Hashem needs our logic, but because He wants a relationship.Along the way, we uncover life-changing lessons about:✅ how blessing can become spiritual danger✅ why gratitude is hardest specifically when life is comfortable✅ how “spoiling” can accidentally set someone up to fail✅ the meaning of “Leave Me alone” as an invitation to pray✅ and 6 incredible explanations of the rare Torah word וַיְחַלThis is not just a sugya — it's a blueprint for real tefillah: emotional, meaningful, honest, and connected.

Tehillim: Quality vs Quantity for the refuah shelema of Binyamin ben ZilpaThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Pesach Haggadah: Begin with Shame and End with PraiseThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Parashat Va'era 202310 Plagues in Mitzrayim - The first seven of 10 plagues are covered. Freedom of Will Names of Hashem Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Parashat Shemot 2023Change Takes TimeThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Parashat Shemot 2024 - TorahThe Beginnings of the Exodus StoryThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Torah Parashat Shofetim 2023  Law & Order Honesty & Integrity Pursue Righteousness KingsThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Parashat Re'eh 2023Living within Your MeansKosher and Self-DisciplineCharity Refreshing Your SoulThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Torah Parashat Ekev 2023 Count Your Blessings Remembering our Humble PastIt's All for Our Own BestThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Parashat Matot Masei 2023Laws of Vows and OathsThe Return of BilaamReuven's and Gad's RequestNaming the Chapters of our JourneysThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Torah Parashat Pinchas 2023 Pinchas's Response & Reward Zelophchad's Daughters and their claim Moshe's Final Request Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Parashat Shelach 2023 - The Spies and the Nation's ResponseThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

The Story of RuthA Story of Kindness and Loyalty - ShavuotThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Parashat Acharei Mot Kedoshim 2023Yom Kippur ServiceVerbal ConfessionLove Others as You Love YourselfTechniques of Eliminating Bad HabitsThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Parashat Tazria Metzora 2021 Overview Tzara'atScreen sharing available on the Youtube pageThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Parashat Shemini 2023 overviewAaron's Sons, Nadav & AvihuThe Laws of KosherScreen sharing available on the Youtube pageThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Parashat Vayikra overview.Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Week 4 of the Megillat Esther Series, as part of the SBM Ladies ProgramThe entire series playlist is saved on YouTube and can be found here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlVtEqmIBUogYVG6kU5htGYMJwK97cx2cThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Parashat Vayakhel Pekudei overview.  Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Parashat Ki Tisa overview.  The full video with screensharing can be found on the YouTube channel.Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Parashat Tetzaveh overview.  The full video with screensharing can be found on the YouTube channel.Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

We are rebranding the Sefer Hamitzvot Podcast to Adam's Torah. We will continue with the Sefer Hamitzvot series, but we will also upload additional content. Please reach out if you have any ideas or suggestions, or would like to help out in any way.Thanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Week 1 of the Megillat Esther Series, as part of the SBM Ladies ProgramFebruary 9, 2023The entire series playlist is saved on YouTube and can be found here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlVtEqmIBUogYVG6kU5htGYMJwK97cx2cThanks for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and the YouTube channel for more content:https://www.youtube.com/@adamstorah

Positive mitzvah #64 is to cancel all debts in the shemita year.For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

Positive mitzvah #63 is to return a collateral to a borrower when needed.For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

Positive mitzvah #62 is to lend money to the poor.For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

Positive mitzvah #61 is to love a convert.For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

Positive mitzvah #60 is to love your fellow as yourself.For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

Positive mitzvah #59 is for a Kohen to attend a relative's funeral. In this context, the seven relatives are: wife, mother, father, son, daughter, brother, and sister.For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

Positive mitzvah #58 is for the Kohen to bless the Jewish people daily.For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

Positive mitzvah #57 is to separate challah, or the first portion from your dough, and give it to a Kohen.For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

Positive mitzvah #56 is to break the neck of the unredeemed firstborn donkey.For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

Positive mitzvah #55 is to redeem the firstborn donkey with a sheep or a goat.For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

Positive mitzvah #54 is to redeem the firstborn son, referred to as a pidyon haben.For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

Positive mitzvah #53 is to sanctify the firstborn. For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #52, which is to give a Kohen the first of your sheep's wool shearings. For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #51, which is to give a Kohen the foreleg, cheeks and maw of an animal when doing shechita. For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #50, which is to honor a Kohen and treat him as holy. For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #49, which is to cover the blood of an animal after slaughtering it, if one wishes to eat meat. This mitzvah is related to positive mitzvah #48.For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #48, which is to slaughter an animal properly, if one wishes to eat meat.Five forbidden techniques:1) Shehiyah (שהייה‎; delay or pausing) 2) Derasah (דרסה‎; pressing/chopping)3) Haladah (חלדה‎; covering, digging, or burying)4) Hagramah (הגרמה‎; cutting in the wrong location)5) Iqqur (עיקור‎; tearing)For questions, email: mitzvotpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #47, which is to circumcise every male, beginning at the age of eight days old.

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #46, which is to perform chalitza, which is an alternative to yibum (levirate marriage).

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #45, which is to perform yibum, or levirate marriage.

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #44, which is to get married through a process called kiddushin.

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #43, which is to marry and have children.

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #42, which is to respect one's father and mother.As a general rule, honoring one's parents (positive mitzvah #41) is all of the the positive acts one does to show honor to his or her parents. Examples include, standing up for them when they enter the room, helping them around physically, bringing things for them, etc.Continuing with that framework, respecting is all of the negative things one refrains from doing to show respect to his or her parents. Examples include, not sitting or standing in their designated spots, not contradicting or affirming their words, and not calling them by their first names.

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #41, which is to honor one's father and mother.