Podcasts about achashverosh

Esther #10 - one of the shortest chapters in Tanakh I'm excited to share two different audios on the chapter which connect its 3 verses to two very large themes in the megilla.The first audio uses our chapter to track the moral development of Achashverosh throughout the story - could he be seen as the hero of the megilla:Text here: https://www.sefaria.org/Esther.10?lang=bi

Chapters 1 and 2 introduce us to Achashverosh, the feast, Vashti's demise, and the rise of Esther.Calev Ben Dor, on chapter 2, provides historical context to the book of Esther and an intriguing explanation of the backstory of tensions between Mordechai and Haman.Text here:https://www.sefaria.org/Esther.2?lang=bi

Who are Mordechai and Esther - Devout or Assimilated Jews?Why is the "beauty contest" of Achashverosh quite possibly the cruelest way to find a wife?And what de we learn from the Bigtan and Teresh story?

Chapters 1 and 2 introduce us to Achashverosh, the feast, Vashti's demise, and the rise of Esther. In my recording on chapter one, I consider the character of Vashti - a heroine according the the peshat straightforward reading of the text but a villain according to the midrash. Text here: https://www.sefaria.org/Esther.1?lang=bi

From a simple reading of Megilat Esther , it appears that Mordechai refusing to bow to Haman is what provoked Haman to issue the decree to wipe out the Jews. There must have been many Jews at the time who were angry that Mordechai had to be different, rather than just conforming like everyone else. That's what it seemed like, but Chazal tell us what really happened. When nine years before that, the Jews benefited from the seudah of Achashverosh, then it was decreed in Shamayim that they would be wiped out. The Mefarshim tell us, because Mordechai did not benefit from that seuda and because he did not bow down to Haman, he was the one who was able to be the catalyst to bring about the eventual salvation of the Jews. No matter what it might look like, when we do the right thing we always win. And when we do the wrong thing, we always lose. Hashem will not always make it so obvious. In fact, many times it will appear just the opposite, that it is the good people who lose. But it is only a test. Good always wins. The sefer Vaveh Ha'amudim brings a story that a man told about himself: Fifty years ago I worked in a butcher shop in Haifa. It was basically the only source of kosher meat in the neighborhood. I was living in a very small apartment at the time and I had to drive 30 minutes every morning to take my children to another city to the yeshiva that I wanted them to be in. The clientele in the butcher shop ranged from people just starting to keep kosher to religious people who were very particular about which meat they consumed. The sign on the door said "All our meat is glatt kosher" but there were times when the owner of the shop was not able to procure glatt meat and, instead, he took what was called "kosher meat" which was on a lower standard. The issue was, he did not inform the customers of this and there were people who would be mortified to find out they were not getting glatt meat. I couldn't watch them buying meat that I knew they would not want to consume, so when that kind of customer ordered his meat, I would tell him in a low voice, "The meat we have today is not for you, come back another day." I was petrified of getting caught by the owner, but I couldn't let the customers be misinformed like that. Eventually the owner caught me and fired me on the spot. During those days it was very difficult to find work. My children were hungry and I wasn't providing enough for them. But I kept my emunah strong, knowing that I did the right thing and Hashem would take care of me. One day, I met a man who came over to me who saw me looking so depressed and asked me what was wrong. I told him, "You want to know? I live in a small apartment. I have children sleeping on the floor. I have to drive 30 minutes each way to take my children to school. I don't have a job and my children are hungry. That's what's wrong." The man said, "I am a contractor. I just built a brand new building in a religious neighborhood right near your children's school. The apartments in that building are very spacious. There will be plenty of room for you to fit your children there. I have a deal for you. I will accept your current apartment now as a down payment for an apartment there and the balance you can pay me whenever you get the money." I couldn't believe this offer. I asked the man why he was being so generous. He said, "One day, about two weeks ago, my wife came back from the butcher empty handed, and I asked her where's the meat? She told me a worker there hinted to her that the meat wasn't up to her standards. I admired whoever that person was and I was worried about him losing his job. I just found out that it was you. I want to have the zechut of helping you for your heroic acts." The man concluded by saying, I thought I was sacrificing for Hashem, but now I see Hashem gave me much more than I ever did. I live in a beautiful apartment in a neighborhood that I want to be in. And baruch Hashem, I even found a job here with much better pay. When we do what is right, we always win. It might not always seem that way but it is for sure the truth. Purim Same'ach and Shabbat Shalom .

On March 13, nearly 100 protesters were arrested for storming Trump Tower in New York City. Their cause? Not government cuts, Medicaid, migrant rights or the cost of living. They were protesting in the name of Mahmoud Khalil, a 30-year-old pro-Palestinian student who became a lead organizer of the campus protests at Columbia University last spring. Even though Khalil is a legal permanent resident who holds a green card and is married to an American citizen, he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement last weekend, and is currently under threat of being deported for being a threat to U.S. foreign policy. The move has sparked outrage, with many people on both sides of the Israel-Palestine debate arguing that it's a blatant attempt to silence dissenting voices, undermine free speech and threaten legal immigration routes. On today's episode of Bonjour Chai, the hosts look at the unfolding case and how best to protect the right to protest in both the U.S. and Canada. Credits Hosts: Avi Finegold and Phoebe Maltz Bovy (@BovyMaltz) Production team: Michae Fraiman (producer), Zachary Judah Kauffman (editor) Music: Socalled Support The CJN Subscribe to the Bonjour Chai Substack Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to Bonjour Chai (Not sure how? Click here)

התוכן [המשך] וההוראה: כאשר אדם רואה שרוב היום הוא עסוק בשאר צרכיו ורק מיעוטו הולך לעניני תומ"צ, וגם זה רק מגיל בר-מצוה, ושואל מדוע לא נולד מחוייב במצוות, ושיצטרך לעסוק רק בתומ"צ?! אומרים לו: "כל העולם כולו לא נברא אלא לצוות לזה", קריאת המגילה לא מתחילה עם "ליהודים היתה אורה – זו תורה", אלא דוקא ב"ויהי בימי אחשורוש .. המולך מהודו ועד כוש", ודוקא זה הביא ל"ונהפוך הוא"! וכך יהי' אפי' בימות המשיח: גם אז יהי' לא רק הקב"ה תורה ובנ"י, אלא גם "זרים", אלא שכל מציאותם תהי' טפילה לבנ"י. והעיקר – בנוגע לעבודתנו בהווה: אין להבהל מזה שכללות עם ישראל הוא מיעוט קטן, כי מה שחשוב זה לא הכמות אלא האיכות – הקשר עם מקור החיים וכו'. ודוקא לאחרונה התגלה דוגמא לזה שגם בכמות קטנה יכולים להיות גנוזים כחות עצומים של איכות וכו'.משיחת פורים ה'תשכ"ה ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=14-03-2025 Synopsis (Continued.) The lesson is that when a person sees that most of his day is occupied with his other needs, and only a small portion is dedicated to Torah and mitzvos – and moreover, for a numbers of years he wasn't even obligated to keep Torah and Mitzvos , he may ask: Why wasn't I born obligated in mitzvos, and why wasn't I created in such a way that I only have to engage in Torah and mitzvos? The answer is that, “The entire world was created only to serve as companions for him”; the Megillah reading doesn't begin with “For the Jews there was light – this refers to Torah,” but with “And it came to pass in the days of Achashverosh… who ruled from Hodu to Kush.” And it was specifically this led to “it was reversed.” And this will apply even in the days of Moshiach: Even then, there will exist “strangers standing and pasturing your sheep” and planting and sowing etc. – but their entire existence will be secondary to the Jewish people. The main lesson is regarding our service in the present era: One should not be alarmed by the fact that the Jewish people are a small minority in the world, because what matters is not quantity, but quality – the connection to the Source of Life etc. And as we see specifically in recent times how even something very small can contain tremendous power etc.Excerpt from sichah of Purim 5725 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=14-03-2025 לע"נ הת' אורי ניסן ע"ה בן - יבלח"ט - הרב מנחם מענדל שי' גורארי', ליום היארצייט שלו י"ד אדר. ת.נ.צ.ב.ה.

Anti-Semitism is not merely another form of bigotry or racial hatred—it is unique in its universality, its persistence throughout history, and its deep, irrational roots. From Pharaoh to Hitler, from ancient Persia to modern-day university campuses, the Jew has been targeted with a singular, unparalleled intensity. Why? What makes this hatred different from all other hatreds?This class delves into the core of Jew-hatred, exploring its historical patterns and its spiritual roots. The Talmudic parable of the "mound and the ditch" reveals that anti-Semitism is not simply about economics, politics, or cultural tensions—it is about something much deeper. The world has an innate reaction to the presence of the Jew, a reaction that stems from the unique role that the Jewish people play in history as the bearers of Divine morality.Through the lens of Torah, the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and a contemporary analysis of world events—including the resurgence of anti-Semitism post-October 7, 2023—this class seeks to answer the unanswerable: Why does the world hate the Jew? And, more importantly, how should we respond?Key Takeaways:A Hatred Like No Other – Anti-Semitism has persisted for thousands of years across all cultures and ideologies, defying conventional explanations.The "Mound and the Ditch" Paradigm – The Talmud describes two types of anti-Semites: those who see Jews as an unwanted obstacle and those who feel an existential void because of Jewish morality.The Sinai Connection – The world's rejection of Jewish existence is linked to our mission as bearers of Divine ethics, which some embrace and others resent.Appeasement Does Not Work – History has proven that trying to minimize or hide Jewish identity never quells anti-Semitism; it often exacerbates it.The Jewish Response – Strengthening our connection to G-d, embracing Torah and mitzvot, and standing firm in Jewish pride is the only true antidote to anti-Semitism.#Antisemitism #Judaism #Purim #JewishHistory #Haman #Rebbe #habad #chabad #Jewishsurvival #Talmud #Jewish #MoralCourage #MoralResponsibility #JewishIdentity Eye-Opening Moments PodcastEye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showGot your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at rabbi@jewishndg.com or http://www.theloverabbi.comSingle? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.Donate and support Rabbi Bernath's work http://www.jewishndg.com/donateFollow Rabbi Bernath's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernathAccess Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi

התוכן זה שכל העולם "מסתובב" בשביל "קבוצה קטנה" של יהודים מקיימי תומ"צ – יובן בהקדם הביאור בנוגע לב' ענינים תמוהים שמצינו בנוגע לקריאת המגילה: 1) התחלת קריאת המגילה (להלכה) הוא מהתחלתה – "ויהי בימי אחשורוש וכו'", דלכאו' אי"ז נוגע לעיקר הסיפור וכו'? 2) אחז"ל "כל ספרי הנביאים עתידין ליבטל לימות המשיח חוץ ממגילת אסתר והלכות"! איזה חידוש יש בה שלכן דוקא היא לא תיבטל בימות המשיח?! והביאור: בקריאת המגילה מהתחלתה מתגלה שזה שהקב"ה הנהיג את העולם כדי שאחשורוש ימלוך על קכ"ז מדינה, ועשיית המשתה וכו' הי' זה רק כדי ששנים לאח"ז יהי' לבנ"י הנס של "ונהפוך הוא"...! וחידוש זה נוגע אפי' לימות המשיח: אע"פ שגם לעת"ל יהי' המציאות של "עמים", וגם המציאות של מין החי, הצומח והדומם – אבל כ"ז יהי' טפל ביחס לעיקר התכלית – מציאות של בנ"י שיעסקו בתורה! [המשך יבוא]ב' חלקים משיחת פורים ה'תשכ"ה ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=13-03-2025 Synopsis The idea that the entire world runs for the sake of a small group of Jews who observe Torah and mitzvos can be understood by first explaining two puzzling aspects of the Megillah reading: (1) The halacha is that the Megillah must be read from the beginning – “It happened in the days of Achashverosh…” – which seemingly is not essential to the core of the story? (2) Our Sages state: “All the books of the Prophets will be nullified in the times of Moshiach, except for Megillas Esther and Halachos,” but what is so unique about the Megillah that it alone will not be nullified when Moshiach comes? The answer is that reading the Megillah from the beginning reveals that Hashem orchestrated the world in such a way that Achashverosh would be king, and rule over 127 provinces, and that he would make a royal feast etc., and all for the sole purpose that, years later, the Jewish people would experience the miracle that “it was reversed.” And this unique quality will be relevant even in the times of Moshiach: Although in the future era other nations will exist, as well as animals, plants, and inanimate objects – all of them will be secondary to the ultimate purpose – the existence of the Jewish people who will be engaged in Torah study. (To be continued.)2 excerpts from sichah of Purim 5725 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=13-03-2025 לזכות אהרן דוד הלוי בן הדרה שי' ליום ההולדת שלו י"ג אדרלשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובות‏*לזכות הת' חיים שי' יוניק ליום ההולדת שלו י"ג אדר - לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובותנדבת הוריו ר' דוד וזוגתו מרת חנה שיחיו יוניק

Megilat Esther, the Scroll of Esther that tells the Purim story, seems like a rapid series of events that happened within a year. Actually, though, the Purim story transpires the events of 13 years. It begins when Achashverosh ascended to the throne of Persia in 3392 (369 BCE) to the time when the Jews overcame their enemies and celebrated the first Purim in 3405 (356 BCE). So too, the decades of significant events that lead to the full redemption of our people, will also come together to form the Megilla of Geula...

Purim sicha about choice vs force."I have to" vs "I choose to" based on Achashverosh's party & Vashtis refusal to join!Chelek lamed vov, page 161

A novel approach to the story of Megilas Esther

The pasuk in Iyov states, " אלוקים הבין דרכה והוא ידע את מקומה ". The Malbim explains that only Hashem truly understands what is happening in this world—how people are being rewarded or punished. What appears to us as a reward may, in fact, be a punishment, and what seems like a punishment may actually be a great reward. We judge based on what we see, but Hashem sees the past, present, and future all at once. Only He knows the full picture—the deeds of each person, their inner thoughts, and their intentions. However, Chazal do reveal to us one way in which Hashem interacts with the world: מדה כנגד מדה —measure for measure. With this understanding, we can sometimes catch a glimpse of Hashem's justice in action. The way we act is the way we are treated. At the end of the seven-day feast in Shushan HaBirah , on Shabbat Kodesh , King Achashverosh called for Queen Vashti to appear and display her beauty. She refused, and as a result, she was put to death. Rashi brings the Gemara in Megilla , which asks: Why didn't she come? After all, she was just as immoral as Achashverosh. The Gemara answers that Hashem struck her with tzara'at , making her appearance repulsive. Since she had been summoned to appear without clothing, she was too embarrassed to show herself. Rashi explains that Hashem caused her to develop tzara'at at that exact moment so that she would refuse the king's order and be put to death—because every Shabbat , she would force Jewish women to work in a humiliating manner, without clothing. Now, on Shabbat , she was punished in the very same way. To the human eye, it seemed like a drunken king making an irrational demand and an impulsive decision to execute his wife. But in truth, it was all hashgachah pratit . Hashem orchestrated every detail—the king's command, Vashti's affliction—because of the wickedness she displayed every Shabbat . Nothing happens randomly. Hashem is behind everything, whether we see it or not. A young man who is becoming more observant spends a few minutes each night learning emunah with a rabbi. One evening, they studied the concept of מדה כנגד מדה , how every action is noticed and valued by Hashem, and how reward and punishment always come in perfect measure. A few days later, this young man was driving when someone accidentally hit his car. After assessing the damage, he realized that the driver who hit him was a kollel student. Feeling bad about making a Torah scholar pay, and knowing that the damage wasn't critical, he decided to let him off completely. Two days later, this same young man accidentally hit someone else's car. This time, however, the other driver insisted on getting the car repaired. The damage was estimated at $1,000—his entire week's paycheck. Feeling overwhelmed, he shared what had happened with a friend, who suggested visiting a trustworthy body shop owner he knew. When they arrived, the owner took one look at the damage, grabbed his tools, and within minutes had repaired the car perfectly —without charging a single dollar. At that moment, the young man recalled the lesson he had just learned. He had let someone off, and Hashem let him off. At first, he thought the second driver would simply forgive him, just as he had forgiven the first. But Hashem, in His infinite wisdom, arranged it differently. Even though we don't always understand Hashem's calculations, we can see glimpses of מדה כנגד מדה in our lives. Everything we do matters. Hashem wants us to make the right choices so that He can reward us—both in this world and in the next.

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What lessons can we learn from Tes Adar – 85 years later? Why was coming to America a new era in history? What does Purim teach us about today's wars with our enemies? Can we compare Hamas to Haman? Is there a connection between the redemption of Purim and the final redemption? Why will Purim be the only holiday that we will celebrate in the future? Why was it so important that Mordechai not bow to Haman? After all, Jacob bowed to Esau. If Esther could violate one of the three cardinal sins to save the Jewish people, why couldn't Mordechai bow to Haman for the same reason? Is there a way today to replicate the Rebbe's hurrah hurrah hurrah that eliminated Stalin? How do we justify the killing of 75,000 enemies? Why do we praise the Jews for not taking spoils when they killed so many people? Why the need for a second decree? Why does fasting annul decrees? Why then don't we fast or wear sackcloth today in honor of the hostages? What is the significance of Purim falling out on a Friday? How can we explain the obligation of drinking on Purim until we can't distinguish between blessed is Mordechai and cursed is Haman?! How could Rabba “kill” Reb Zeira on Purim?  What do we learn from this incident? Does this story indicate that we ought to be careful how much Chassidus to learn? How could Esther have relations with Achashverosh, especially according to the opinion that she was married? Why do we wear Purim costumes? What is the origin of the “Purim Torah”? Why is Purim a holiday in which things are turned inside out and upside down?

Which of the four tokefs (strengths) much you read about: Achashverosh, Mordechai, Haman, or the nes? Why not all four? This episode analyzes this machlokes.

PURIMIt's Time To Step UpThe first miracle of Megillas Esther is Esther herself. Nowhere else in the Torah do we find a story quite like hers: a woman dragged against her will into a gilded cage, who in a single moment overturns her fate and takes command of her people.When Mordechai rouses her to rise and fight against the decree, she reacts with astonishment? The orphan who never knew her parents?! The outcast whom the king has not summoned for thirty days?! The woman living a life fraught with challenges?!But something happens, and Esther spreads her wings. From being acted upon, she becomes the one taking action, setting the entire world into motion. First, she moves Mordechai into action, as the megillah stunningly states: "And Mordechai did all that Esther commanded him" She is crowned as the leader of the people, then, she shifts her focus to dealing with Achashverosh and Haman.

B"H At Har Sinai, we received the Torah with open miracles. In the days of Achashverosh, we accepted it again-this time, with true free will. Megillat Esther teaches us to find Hashem even in hiddenness, but our hearts still long for the Beit HaMikdash and the return of open prophecy. Where do you see Hashem's hand in your life today? To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

Understanding Achashverosh in the Megillah

In this shiur, delivered Motzai Shabbos in the Lubat home in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Rav Burg explains the inner meaning Ora, Simcha, Sasson and Yikar and addresses how we can celebrate Purim amidst all of the tragedy that we have faced and while our war is still ongoing.

BIGTAN E TERESH planejaram envenenar o Rei Achashverosh com veneno de cobra, Mordechai entendeu sua conversa e contou à Ester quem contou ao Rei....Por que eles planejaram marar o Rei? Quem eram eles?Conheça os Segredos da MEGUILAT ESTER, a história completa de PURIM, com vários comentários e detalhes desconhecidos!CURTIU A AULA?FAÇA UM PIX RABINOELIPIX@GMAIL.COM E NOS AJUDE A DARMOS SEQUÊNCIA!#meguilatester #mordechai #ester #haman #chassidut #mistica #judaismo #purim #meguila #achashverosh #judeus #amalek #antissemitismo #adar #medrash #midrashim #meamloez #historiajudaica #vashti #judeu #bigtan #teresh

BIGTAN E TERESH planejaram envenenar o Rei Achashverosh com veneno de cobra, Mordechai entendeu sua conversa e contou à Ester quem contou ao Rei.... Por que eles planejaram marar o Rei? Quem eram eles? Conheça os Segredos da MEGUILAT ESTER, a história completa de PURIM, com vários comentários e detalhes desconhecidos! CURTIU A AULA? FAÇA UM PIX RABINOELIPIX@GMAIL.COM E NOS AJUDE A DARMOS SEQUÊNCIA! #meguilatester #mordechai #ester #haman #chassidut #mistica #judaismo #purim #meguila #achashverosh #judeus #amalek #antissemitismo #adar #medrash #midrashim #meamloez #historiajudaica #vashti #judeu #bigtan #teresh

How Vashti Triggered Her Husband's Core-Wound; How Esther Used It to Save a World - Weekly Women's Class: This class was presented on Tuesday, 4 Adar, 5785, March 4, 2025, Parshas Tetzaveh, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY. The lecture explores the first chapter of the Book of Esther. Why did Vashti trigger such anger in the Persian King? Why does the order of her title keep changing, as well as the musical notes relating to her? We also learn to observe the genius of Queen Esther, who brilliantly played Haman's ego against Achashverosh's paranoia. The lesson we learn about the courage of Esther and the power to look inward at our deepest triggers and core-wounds, and how when darkness is exposed it loses its power.View Source Sheets: https://portal.theyeshiva.net/api/source-sheets/9608

O Trono do Rei Achashverosh era uma cópia do Trono do Rei Salomão, montado de ouro, prata, mármore e pedras preciosas. Leões, águias, cobras de ouro puro. Conheça os Segredos da MEGUILAT ESTER, a história completa de PURIM, com vários comentários e detalhes desconhecidos!CURTIU A AULA?FAÇA UM PIX RABINOELIPIX@GMAIL.COM E NOS AJUDE A DARMOS SEQUÊNCIA!#meguilatester #mordechai #ester #haman #chassidut #mistica #judaismo #purim #meguila #achashverosh #judeus #amalek #antissemitismo #adar #medrash #midrashim #meamloez #historiajudaica #vashti #judeu

Two more answers (altogether five) are brought to reconcile the contradiction between the braita and the Mishna in Ketubot 29a. From where does Rabbi Yonatan ben Shaul learn that if one can neutralize the pursuer, one is not allowed to kill him? When one is pursuing another and either the pursuer, the pursued or the one trying to stop the pursuer causes damage - who is exempt from payment and who is liable to pay? Why?  What is the basis for the opinions of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son Rabbi Eliezer who add more cases to the list where one can kill one who is about to commit a certain transgression? Rabbi Yochanan quotes Rabbi Shimon ben Yehotzadak saying that the rabbis sat in an attic in Lod and ruled that if one is threatened by death unless they transgress one of the commandments, they should transgress the commandment and not be killed, as the commandments were given to "live by them." However, there are three exceptions to the rule - idol worship, inappropriate sexual relations and murder (yehareg v'al yaavor). What is the source for the three exceptions? There are also certain circumstances in which one must give oneself over to be killed rather than transgress any commandment - if it is in public and if it is a time of religious persecution. What is the definition of public? How was Esther permitted to engage in relations with Achashverosh if it was public? Rava and Abaye each provide an answer.  Are Bnei Noach also commanded to give themselves over to be killed if asked to transgress one of the Noahide laws in public? 

A gathering of sages in an attic in Lod, and they were discussing martyrdom and when it was mandated. That is, most of the time, saving one's life takes precedence, except for "the big 3" - idolatry, adultery (and other illicit sexual relations), and murder (because who can say "whose blood is redder"?!). But whether the violation of the mitzvah is to be public or private also makes a difference. As does a time of persecution against Judaism. Plus, and suitable for Rosh Chodesh Adar (thank you, neis nistar) - an intricate discussion of Esther and why she wasn't culpable for her sexual relationship with Achashverosh, and the usual focus on Abaye's interpretation of the issues (we look at Rava's interpretation too).

Two more answers (altogether five) are brought to reconcile the contradiction between the braita and the Mishna in Ketubot 29a. From where does Rabbi Yonatan ben Shaul learn that if one can neutralize the pursuer, one is not allowed to kill him? When one is pursuing another and either the pursuer, the pursued or the one trying to stop the pursuer causes damage - who is exempt from payment and who is liable to pay? Why?  What is the basis for the opinions of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son Rabbi Eliezer who add more cases to the list where one can kill one who is about to commit a certain transgression? Rabbi Yochanan quotes Rabbi Shimon ben Yehotzadak saying that the rabbis sat in an attic in Lod and ruled that if one is threatened by death unless they transgress one of the commandments, they should transgress the commandment and not be killed, as the commandments were given to "live by them." However, there are three exceptions to the rule - idol worship, inappropriate sexual relations and murder (yehareg v'al yaavor). What is the source for the three exceptions? There are also certain circumstances in which one must give oneself over to be killed rather than transgress any commandment - if it is in public and if it is a time of religious persecution. What is the definition of public? How was Esther permitted to engage in relations with Achashverosh if it was public? Rava and Abaye each provide an answer.  Are Bnei Noach also commanded to give themselves over to be killed if asked to transgress one of the Noahide laws in public? 

O Trono do Rei Achashverosh era uma cópia do Trono do Rei Salomão, montado de ouro, prata, mármore e pedras preciosas. Leões, águias, cobras de ouro puro. Conheça os Segredos da MEGUILAT ESTER, a história completa de PURIM, com vários comentários e detalhes desconhecidos! CURTIU A AULA? FAÇA UM PIX RABINOELIPIX@GMAIL.COM E NOS AJUDE A DARMOS SEQUÊNCIA! #meguilatester #mordechai #ester #haman #chassidut #mistica #judaismo #purim #meguila #achashverosh #judeus #amalek #antissemitismo #adar #medrash #midrashim #meamloez #historiajudaica #vashti #judeu

התוכן מ"ש [בתחלת פ' משפטים] "כי תקנה עבד עברי" לשון יחיד קאי על משה רבינו, שהוא עושה "קנין" בכל יהודי, וע"י שממשיך בו ענין הדעת פועל שה"אמונה" חודרת בכל כחות נפשו עד שזו נעשה "קנין" (גם) בנפשו, גם בנפשו הבהמית שנכנעת לנפשו האלקית, ועי"ז עושים לו ית' דירה בתחתונים. וזה נמשך במעשה שהוא העיקר – "ואלה המשפטים". כאשר יהודי, גם במצב של "אכתי עבדי דאחשורוש אנן", נעמד בתוקף של "לא יכרע ולא ישתחווה", שגם בענינים של "משפטים" שמובנים עפ"י שכל עד ש"דינא דמלכותא דינא" הרי הוא מקיימם מכיון "אשר תשים לפניהם" – נפעל הענין ד"החודש אשר נהפך וגו'" כבר מתחלת החודש, עוד לפני הנס פורים בפועל; הזהירות מהשגת גבול וכיו"ב אינו פוגע בפרנסה, ואדרבה – עי"ז הולכים הרווחים לדברים טובים. דוקא ע"י שמירת ה"הלכות" פועלים "הליכות עולם לו" – שנעשה בעה"ב על ה"עולם" (מלשון העלם והסתר). משיחת מוצאי ש"פ משפטים, מבה"ח אדר ראשון – בחדרו – ה'תשל"ח ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=16-02-2025 Synopsis The verse states (at the beginning of Parashas Mishpatim), “If you buy a Hebrew servant” – “If you buy” in the singular, referring to Moshe Rabbeinu, who “buys” every Jew: by imparting da'as into a Jew, Moshe enables the emunah to permeate all aspects of a Jew's soul, to the extent that it becomes an “acquisition” within his soul, as well as his animal soul, which becomes subjugated to the G-dly soul, thereby creating a dwelling place for Hashem in the lower worlds. This is expressed in action (the main thing) – “These are the laws that you must set before them.” When a Jew, even at a time when, “we are still servants of Achashverosh,” stands firm and “neither kneels nor prostrates himself,” such that even when it comes to “Mishpatim” – laws that make sense reationally – he fulfills them only because they have been “set before them” by Moshe – that causes “the month to be transformed etc.” already at the start of the month, even before Purim. Not encroaching on others etc. doesn't harm one's livelihood; to the contrary – adhering to these laws ensures that one's earnings will be used for good things. It is specifically through keeping the halachos that “the ways (halichos) of the world are his” – he becomes a master over the “world” (from the expression helem v'hester – concealment).Excerpt from sichah of Motzaei Shabbos Parashas Mishpatim, Mevarchim Adar Rishon 5738 – in the Rebbe's room For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=16-02-2025 לזכות הרה"ת ר׳ משה הכהן וזוגתו נחמה דינה ומשפחתם שיחיו כהן להצלחה בכל הענינים בגשמיות וברוחניות

O Trono do Rei Achashverosh era uma cópia do Trono do Rei Salomão, montado de ouro, prata, mármore e pedras preciosas. Leões, águias, cobras de ouro puro. Conheça os Segredos da MEGUILAT ESTER, a história completa de PURIM, com vários comentários e detalhes desconhecidos!CURTIU A AULA?FAÇA UM PIX RABINOELIPIX@GMAIL.COM E NOS AJUDE A DARMOS SEQUÊNCIA!#meguilatester #mordechai #ester #haman #chassidut #mistica #judaismo #purim #meguila #achashverosh #judeus #amalek #antissemitismo #adar #medrash #midrashim #meamloez #historiajudaica #vashti #judeu

התוכן הנקודה של חודש אדר היא – שמחה. חודש ניסן – גאולה. חודש אייר (שבכ"י ישנה המצוה דספיה"ע) – מצוה, צוותא וחיבור עם ה'. ביאור הסדר של ג' הענינים אלו מלמטה למעלה: אף שגדול מעלה השמחה עד ש"שמחה פורץ גדר", אבל הרי ידוע ששמחה אמיתית היא דוקא כשלפנ"ז הי' מעמד ומצב בלתי-רצוי ונפעל הענין ד"ונהפוך הוא", שזה עצמו מוכיח שאי"ז עדיין ענין ה"גאולה". ע"ד השמחה דחודש אדר שעדיין לא היתה גאולה בשלימותה אלא "אכתי עבדי אחשורוש אנן". אח"ז באה ענין הגאולה, שאמיתית ענין הגאולה היא גאולה בשלימותה, ע"ד הענין ד"יציאת מצרים" ש"אילו זכו" היתה זו הגאולה האמיתית והשלימה. וזה מודגש באי אמירת תחנון במשך כל החודש, ע"ד הענין ד"ואת רוח הטומאה אעביר מן הארץ" לעת"ל וכו'. אח"ז באה הענין ד"מצוה" – צוותא וחיבור עם ה', הענין ד"ילכו מחיל אל חיל" בקדושה עצמה. ע"ד העבודה דלעת"ל לאחרי קיום היעוד ד"ואת רוח הטומאה וגו'". וכמו הציווי ד"קדושים תהיו" אע"פ שכבר במ"ת היו בנ"י "גוי קדוש".ג' חלקים משיחת יום ב' פ' אמור, אדר"ח אייר ה'תשמ"א ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=12-05-2024 Synopsis The themes of the months of Adar, Nissan, and Iyar respectively are joy, redemption, and the connection and bond forged through a mitzvah (as demonstrated by the fact that Sefiras Ha'Omer applies every single day of the month of Iyar, something we don't find in any other mitzvah). Despite the tremendous quality of joy (“breaking through barriers”), true joy can only be experienced when one was first in an undesirable situation, and then “it was reversed.” This proves that there isn't yet a state of true redemption, like the month of Adar, whose redemption is not complete because “We are still servants to Achashverosh.” Afterwards comes the month of redemption; true redemption is when the redemption is complete, like the Exodus from Egypt which, “had they merited,” would have been the true and complete Redemption. This is expressed in the fact that Tachanun is not recited throughout the entire month of Nissan, a semblance of the future era, when “I will remove the spirit of impurity from the earth.” Then comes the connection and bond with Hashem that results from a mitzvah; within this connection, one constantly advances from level to level within holiness itself. This is similar to the Divine service in the future era, when “I will remove the spirit of impurity etc.,” and to the command, “You shall be holy,” that is, constantly becoming holier, even though the Jewish people already became “a holy nation” when the Torah was given.Three excerpts from sichah of Monday, Parashas Emor, first day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5741 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=12-05-2024 לע”נ ר' בנימין ב"ר ירחמיאל ע"ה גלאסנער, ליום היארצייט שלו ד' אייר. ת.נ.צ.ב.ה.נדבת בנו ר' ירחמיאל דניאל שי' גלאסנער

With the resha'im in Iran, firing over 300 missiles capable of causing complete annihilation, we are reminded of the words in the Haggadah, בכל דור ודור עומדים עלינו לכלותינו - in every generation they rise up against us to destroy us. And how fortunate we are to see the conclusion of that statement with our own eyes. והקב"ה מצילנו מידם - and Hashem saves us from their hands. Sometimes Hashem saves us with open miracles like in Yetziat Mitzrayim. And sometimes He saves us from behind the scenes like in the story of Purim. Giving us the capabilities to create machinery that can shoot down ballistic missiles and cruise missiles and giving us additional countries using their capabilities, is Hashem saving us from behind the scenes. But it's not really so hidden. To have that kind of threat with zero damage is HaKadosh Baruch Hu shooting down every missile out of His eternal love for us. In the Haggadah of Rabbi Eliezer Ashkenazi, he points out the fact that the Haggadah emphasizes Hashem saving us from our enemies, rather than Hashem wiping out our enemies. The reason, he says, is because if Hashem would just wipe out our enemies, we wouldn't necessarily see His love for us, because perhaps our enemies deserve destruction. But when Hashem comes just to protect us, that shows His complete love. It's only for us. Like when He told Avraham Avinu, אנכי מגן לך - I am your protector. And this is only what we see openly. We have no idea how much Hashem is protecting us from the billions of enemies that we have who are constantly plotting to harm us. We say לעושה נפלאות גדולות לבדו כי לעולם חסדו . We thank Hashem for the great wonders that He does for us that only He knows about. When Yitro came to visit us after Yetziat Mitzrayim , he told us more of the danger that we were in than we even knew, because he was in the government in Mitzrayim . If we would know about the miracles that Hashem is constantly doing for us, we wouldn't stop thanking Him. Regarding the Asher Yatzar , Rabbi Menashe Reizman pointed out, it says גלוי וידוע לפני כסא כבודיך - only Hashem knows how many miracles He's performing with our bodies constantly. If our bodies would be transparent and we would see the open nisim that are happening every second, we would be so appreciative. It says, הללו את ה' כל גוים - the nations of the world are going to give Hashem the greatest praises of all because only they know how much Hashem protects us. Only they see how many times their plots get foiled back in their faces. After Hashem showed us His love by protecting us, we hope now that He will avenge our enemies and bring the Geula . In the Haggadah we say, Dayenu , which many Mefarshim explain means, if Hashem would have just done one of the chasadim that He did for us during Yetziat Mitzrayim , it would have been enough of a reason to thank Him. How much more so that He did chesed after chesed after chesed . We say there, אילו הוציאנו ממצרים ולא עשה בהם שפטים - even if Hashem would have just taken us out of Mitzrayim without inflicting punishments upon the Egyptians, it would have been more than enough to thank Him. Hashem could have made Pharaoh not be able to sleep one night like Achashverosh and asked for His book of Chronicles to be read. And it would have said that Yosef HaTzaddik saved his country and he never paid him back. And then, with that, he could have released the Jewish people. But instead, Hashem allowed us to see revenge against the people that tortured us. And that was an additional level of love that Hashem did not have to do. We need to appreciate so much that we have Hashem on our side. And now, more than ever, we need to storm the Shamayim with our tefilot and good deeds to merit the Geula Shelema b'karov . Amen.

One of the lessons that we are supposed to take away from Purim is that there are no coincidences in life. Mordechai did not just happen to overhear Bigtan and Teresh plotting to kill the king. Achashverosh did not just happen to have trouble sleeping hours before Haman was going to come to his house and tell him to hang Mordechai. Achashverosh did not just happen to ask for his Book of Chronicles to be read, and it did not just happen to come to the page about where Mordechai saved his life. Every moment of life is drenched with hashgachat Hashem. Our job is to see through what appears to be natural events and attribute them to Hashem. When the Jews left Mitzrayim , all the nations were trembling in fear from them. Amalek, however, went and attacked. The pasuk says "אשר קרך בדרך" – they happened upon you on the road. The Mefarshim tell us Amalek did not want to believe that it was Hashem who took them out of Mitzrayim. They did not want the world to fear the Jews. They attributed Yetziat Mitzrayim to natural occurrences, to happenstance, and they acted upon their belief and attacked the Jewish People. The Torah tells us, our battle with Amalek is מדור דור –in every generation. We will only be able to overcome Amalek physically after we overcome them spiritually. We must strengthen our emunah in Hashem's involvement in the world and in our individual lives. This is the time of year when there is extra Siyata d'Shamaya in the air for us to strengthen ourselves with. A woman emailed a story which happened to her mother, who we'll call Mrs. Greenstein, a few years ago. Mrs. Greenstein is a nurse who works in a hospital in Israel. One day on her way out of the hospital, she received a phone call from a young woman. This young woman had a severely handicapped baby. The baby was a few months old and taking care of him was very complex. The young mother needed to go back to work and was looking for a babysitter who would be able to care for her baby throughout the daytime hours. Mrs. Greenstein explained to the woman all the medical details of what this would entail. When she hung up the phone, her first thoughts were, how would she ever find someone qualified enough to take care of that baby? Only someone with experience and extensive knowledge of how to care for such a child would be suited for that job. Someone like that is most probably hired already in a different job. Mrs. Greenstein then looked at the time and realized she had just missed the bus that she usually takes home. She got on the next bus, hoping to find a quiet place in the back to rest after a long day. She was about to fall asleep when a lady that she knew sat down right next to her. Mrs. Greenstein knew this lady worked in a home for handicapped children. They hadn't seen each other for a while so they spoke for a bit, catching up on each other's lives. The lady mentioned that she recently stopped working and was looking for a new job. Mrs. Greenstein immediately connected her to that young mother and, a few days later, this woman started her new job babysitting for that handicapped infant. Amalek would say this was nothing but a few coincidental events. But we say, look at this amazing hashgacha ! That babysitter was probably the only qualified person in their city capable of doing that job. Hashem arranged for that young mother to think of calling Mrs. Greenstein at that time. Then He put Mrs. Greenstein on the second bus instead of the first. Then He put the babysitter in the seat right next to her to connect her to that new job. These stories are happening countless times a day. It is up to us to recognize Hashem's involvement in each one of them and attribute all of life's happenings to Him.

The Gemara in Megilla 16a says that Esther started pointing at Achasherosh to accuse him of trying to kill her nation, until the malach came and pushed her hand towards Haman. Why would she do such a thing? It seems like suicide? I and Ezra (my son) present two different interpretations of this enigmatic Chazal.

TORCH Annual Fundraiser Our organization, TORCH, does only one fundraiser a year, and that is happening right now at giveTORCH.org. This is a matching campaign and every donation will be DOUBLED.Please support the Jewish History Podcast right now at giveTORCH.orgThe website for the Fundraiser is giveTORCH.orgClick and donate to support the Jewish History Podcast in 2024We need your help!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Purim is a holiday celebrated by Jews worldwide on the 14th day of the month of Adar, and in Jerusalem and walled cities on the fifteenth day of Adar. It commemorates the story of the salvation of the Jewish nation from the genocidal plans of Haman and Achashveirosh in Persia. How did the Jews end up living under the Persians in the middle of the Middle East? How did the nation that entered and conquered Israel/Judea under Joshua end up in Persia? In this podcast we will tell the backstory of the Purim story and the actual Purim miracle as told in the Book of Esther and the related sources in classical Jewish Literature, embellished by discoveries in archaeology. It begins with King Achashverosh, the Persian king who ruled from Hodu until Cush (India until Ethiopia), making a massive feast for all the ministers and noblemen of Persia and Media that lasted for 180 days. Soon afterwards Achashverosh partners with the wicked Haman to annihilate the entire Jewish nation. Spoiler alert: Things don't go as Haman planned.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

Throughout the ages, Hashem has performed numerous miracles to save us from harm. And this has convinced us that if the time calls for it, Hashem could easily come and perform another miracle. But Hashem's involvement in our lives is not limited to miraculous events. Purim is the holiday that teaches us that we don't need an open miracle to see Hashem's involvement in our lives. Every single little thing that takes place in the world at large and in each individual's life is all orchestrated by Hashem and only Hashem. In the third year of Achashverosh's reign, his wife Vashti refused to listen to him and even shamed him with disparaging words. That brought about Achashverosh to have her killed, which at that time seemed like just an isolated occurrence. It was only later that we saw that it was all set up by Hashem as part of His master plan to bring Esther into the palace and eventually save the Jews from Haman. Because Esther went into the palace, Mordechai was there often. And because he was there, he overheard Bigtan and Teresh plotting to kill the king and reported them, thereby saving Achashverosh's life. Then years later, on the very same night that Haman prepared a gallows to hang Mordechai, Achashverosh couldn't sleep and asked for his book of chronicles to be read to him. And out of everything in that book, the one thing that he was told about was how Mordechai saved his life. Later on, Haman fell on the bed where Esther was, just as the king entered the room, which caused him to hang Haman on the very same gallows that he made for Mordechai. Every event happened naturally, with no revealed Yad Hashem. In fact, Megilat Eshter is one of the only sefarim in all of Tanach that does not have Hashem's name mentioned even once. That's to teach us that although Hashem doesn't always perform open miracles, He is constantly with us, behind the scenes, involved in everything that happens all the time. The ways of Hashem are truly amazing. If we look back and connect the dots in our own lives, we'll see how Hashem was setting up events way before we could have possibly understood their significance. But after the picture is painted, we are left in awe, realizing that what we thought was a haphazard event was really the Yad Hashem . Rabbi Yoel Gold related a story that a girl named Chana told him about herself a few years ago. She was 23 years old at the time. She was in Israel, staying in Har Nof, and one day she wasn't feeling well. Her friend, who knew she was there, called to ask her for a favor. She was working on a project for a certain company and needed a picture of the Har HaBayit from a certain angle, standing on Har HaZetim. Although Chana wasn't feeling well, she really wanted to help her friend. So she pushed herself and took a bus to Sha'ar Shechem, and then from there she was going to take another bus to Har HaZetim. Her head was spinning and she was nauseous, so she wasn't paying careful attention to details. She saw a blue and white bus and got on, not realizing it was an Arab bus. She sat down and fell asleep, and woke up 25 minutes later, seeing that she missed her stop. She got off the bus, went across the street to catch another bus back. But she didn't realize she was in Arab territory and there were no buses going back. It was the first night of Ramadan, and the streets were empty, because everyone was inside breaking their fast. She started walking and saw a settlement, and that's when she realized she was in Arab territory. She quickly took out her phone, but saw that it was out of battery. She was in a lot of trouble and didn't know what to do next. She started saying Tehillim and asked Hashem for help. She decided to knock on the door of a home that looked well kept with a nice lawn, hoping it wasn't Arabs. She was going to present herself as a pro-Palestinian UCLA student that needed to write a paper on the Palestinians. She knocked on the door, and a young woman, in her full Arab garb, answered the door. She took one look at her and said, “Chana, is that you?” Chana was caught off guard, shocked at what was happening. The young woman hugged Chana, then brought her into the house and showed her the thank you card that she sent her six months before. That's when Chana remembered how six months before she ran a program for Aish HaTorah at the King Solomon Hotel. And at that time, she accepted upon herself to thank every single person on the hotel staff who helped out. On the last day, this Palestinian girl showed up and was running the coffee station. Chana made it a point to go over and talk to her and make conversation, and then added her to the list of thank you cards she was going to make, which turned out to be over fifty. Now, when Chana's life was at risk, this is the home she found herself in front of. Inside that house, there were other people who worked in the hotel that day, who also got thank you cards from Chana and were so appreciative to her. They took her back to her house, and all was well. The hashgacha of Hashem here was truly amazing. Everything we do is part of a larger picture, and sometimes Hashem shows us a glimpse of how He is connecting all the dots of our lives.

Starting with the miracle of Achashverosh not being able to sleep on the layla hahu (that night), this episode analyzes the Purim miracles and the idea of nes nistar (a hidden miracle).

OnSaturday night and Sunday, we will celebrate Purim Lastweek we discussed the power of Adar and more specifically Adar Bet Someoneasked Whyis Purim celebrated in Adar Bet ? BySephardim, any yahrzeit or birthday which occurs in a regular year in Adar ismarked in a leap year in Adar bet. Welearn in Shulchan Aruch under the Laws of Passover Siman 429 Seif 1, we arecommanded to start (re) learning the Passover laws thirty days after Passoverright after Purim. Thus, Purim needs to remain thirty days before Passover andis pushed to Adar Sheni. Additionallywe celebrate Purim during Adar II, in order to juxtapose the joy of the Purimredemption with the redemption from Egypt. We also read the Four Parshiyotduring this month, because Parashat Shekalim, Parashat Para, and Parashat Ha-ĥodesh were instituted as apreparation for the month of Nisan, and Parashat Zakhor must be readimmediately before Purim, which we celebrate in Adar II ( We read Zachor thisShabbat – Question if we are commanded toremember what Amalek did and also not to forget – then why not just unfurl a poster or a sign or simplyget up and say I remember or add it to our prayers which many of us do each day.Why must we come to the synagogue and hear the Torah? Remind me at the end tobring it back to this. Beforewe begin Iwant you to image a 100 yard dash Arace in a straight line Thestarting line and the finish line are the two points furthest from each other Nowlet's imagine a race in a stadium arounda track Therewe circle the track and the start line becomes the finish line Inthis case the starting line and the finish line are the two points closest toeach other Howdo you look at time? As a straight line or as a circle? Ourclass today is based on the beautiful words of Rav Pinchas Friedman of Belz,The Shvilei Pinchas Wehave learned in the Gemarah (Taanis 29a): “משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה” — since this month ushers in the time during which thegreat miracles of Purim and Pesach occurred. Thecommentaries wonder: What provoked Rashito associate the miracles experienced by the Jewish people on Purim, in themonth of Adar, with the miracles that they experienced on Pesach in the monthof Nissan? Infact, the Gemarah's statement -- ” משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה “ Achashverosh ascends the throne of Persia Achashverosh's Feast, lasting 180 days Esther taken to Achashverosh's Palace Haman casts lots First decrees dispatched by Haman Three days' Fast ordered by Esther* Haman's downfall and execution by hanging* Second decrees, reversing the first Sadness turned to gladness; Haman's ten sons executed Purim celebrations everywhere, except Shushan where a second day of reckoning is added 14, 3405 (356 BCE) celebration in Shushan The Megillah recorded; Festival of Purim instituted for all generations — including the first day of Pesach. It is written inthe Megillah (Esther 4, 15): Then Esther sentback this answer to Mordecai: “Go, assemble allthe Jews who live in Shushan, and fast in my behalf; do not eat or drink forthree days, night or day. I and my maidens will observe the same fast. Then Ishall go to the king, though it is contrary to the law; and if I am to perish,I shall perish!” So Mordecai wentabout [the city] and did just as Esther had commanded him. RASHI עַל דָּת, לְהִתְעַנּוֹת בְּיוֹם טוֹב רִאשׁוֹן שֶׁל פֶּסַח, שֶׁהִתְעַנָּהי'ד בְּנִיסָן וְט'ו וְט'ז, שֶׁהֲרֵי בְּיוֹם י'ג נִכְתְּבוּהַסְּפָרִים: (Masechet Megillah 15a) by fasting on thefirst festive day of Pesach, for he fasted on the fourteenth, the fifteenth*I.e., Pesach. Although the holiday feast is obligatory, Mordechai bypassed theobligation and ordered the fast, using the special authority of the Sanhedrinto suspend such obligations in times of extreme need. * “ויעבר מרדכי, אמר רב שהעביר יום ראשוןשל פסח בתענית” — the thirteenth, fourteenth andfifteenth of Nissan. Mordechai questioned her request on the grounds that oneof those days was the first day of Pesach. She replied, אמרה לו זקן שבישראל למה הוא פסח “Elder of Yisrael, what isthe point of celebrating Pesach?” Upon hearing her reply, he confessed that she was in the right and proceededto carry out all of her demands — to eat matzah on the first night of Pesach -- and aRabbinical commandment — Elder of Yisrael, what is the point ofcelebrating Pesach? Surely,she was not suggesting that it is permissible to annul or ignore Hashem's mitzvos whenever Yisrael is facedwith an imminent danger. Rather,hear this well, she was trying to stir things up in the heavens above. Even so,why did she specifically choose to annul the mitzvot related to the first nightof Pesach? Imaginefor a moment the great Rabbi Yisrael of Rozhin's, zy”a, festive Purim meal. Howcan I ask you to imagine if you have no idea who this Rabbi was? Hewas the great grandson of the Magid of Mezerich. He was born in 1796 and passedat 54 years old in 1850. He was orphaned at 6 and grew up in the home of Rav Menaḥem Naḥum Twersky, whose daughter he married. Yisra'el's elder brother, Avraham succeeded his father after the latter's death and, at the age of 15,became the first yenuka (child officiating as a tsadik) in Hasidic history. AfterAvraham's death 10 years later, Yisra'el, himself then only 16, was calledupon to take his place. In 1815, he moved his court to nearby Ruzhin, and hisfame spread quickly. From the very beginning of his “reign” he stood out for his sharp wit, his organizingabilities, and his original religious approach. Rejecting asceticism andself-imposed poverty as religious ideals, he adopted a maximalistinterpretation of the idea of “worship throughcorporeality” (i.e., the positive religious valuehidden in trivial, earthly life, such as eating or drinking, sexual relations,making a living) as equivalent to Torah study or prayer. Iimagine we can say that the test is to find Hashem in everything! Inspiredby this philosophy, his court was based on an ostentatious display of thematerial wealth and luxury in which the tsadik and his family lived. His palaceat Ruzhin—a mecca for admirers of all socialranks, including Russian aristocrats—was famed not only for its splendor, but also for its carriages, thethoroughbred horses in its stables, and the klezmer bands that entertainedvisitors and accompanied the tsadik on his travels. He amassed a tremendousfortune, mainly from donations from his admirers. He became wealthy enough tobe registered in the Second Merchants Guild—an official standing that earned him various privileges and stood him ingood stead later, when he was forced to flee Russia. .The dramatic events in which he was involved—imprisonment on suspicion of aiding and abetting the violent murder ofinformers, flight from Russia to Austria—made him a legend in his own lifetime, revered by his followers butdespised and ridiculed by his opponents, mainly maskilim. Descended from adistinguished Hasidic family thatclaimed descent from King David, and possessing exceptional religious charisma,sharp natural intelligence, and organizational talents, he was not only one ofthe most prominent and impressive Hasidic leaders in the period of the greatestgrowth of Hasidism, but also the founder of a new style of Hasidism known asthe “regal way.” Sonow imagine, you are sitting at a table similar to one set by nobility at thetime with as much opulence as you can imagine and at that seudah, the Rabbi presenteddivine and enlightening insights encompassing the entire festival of Purim withincredible clarity. Hiswords are cited in the sefer Irin Kadishin. He addresses the issue of why thewicked Haman specifically chose to carry out his decree in the month of Adar.Here are a few of his remarks that are quoted: “והטעם שהוא בחודש אדר, כי יש י”ב צירופי הוי”ה כנגד י”ב חדשי השנה, ובחודש ניסן אזי מאיר שםהוי”ה כסידורו והיא התגלות החסדים, ואחר כך נעשה צירופים בכל חודש וחודש, וכל חודשאשר הצירוף מתרחק מן השורש יותר הוא בהסתר, ובחודש אדר שמאיר בו הצירוף האחרון הואהצימצום וההסתר יותר מכל חודש. ועל כן טעה המן והפיל פור, וכל זה בכדי לעשות רע לישראלח”ו מחמת שהוא צירוף וההסתר האחרון, אך טעה בזה, כי סוף מעשה במחשבה תחילה, ונעוץסופו בתחילתו, כמו שמזל יום שבת קודש הוא מזל אחרון ]יום השביעי[, ודוקא יש בו התגלותהקדושה, וכמו שאנחנו בעיקבתא דמשיחא שהוא ההסתר היותר אחרון, אנו מצפים להתגלות אורהיותר עליון”. He explainsas we discussed last week that there are twelve permutations of the four letteredname Havaya corresponding to the twelve months of the year, i.e. the letters ofthe four-lettered name can be arranged in twelve different ways. Themonth of Nissan is illuminated by the name Havaya with its letters in theiroriginal order; this permutation signifies the revelation of Hashem's favors and kindness. Thereafter,each subsequent month is influenced by its particular permutation of the holyfour-lettered name. The farther a month and its permutation are from theoriginal source, the greater the degree of obscurity and concealment. Hesuggests that the month of Adar, which is illuminated by the last permutationof the holy name, reflects the greatest degree of concealment and restriction. This,in fact, was Haman's mistake. He reckonedthat the month of Adar being the farthest away from the source (Nissan andredemption of Pesach) was the ideal time to harm Yisrael, chas v'chalilah. The truth of the matter,however, is that the end of the year is intimately connected with the beginningof the year. We read(Shemos 12, 2): “החודש הזה לכם ראש חדשים ראשון הוא לכם לחדשי השנה” — the heavens will rejoice and theearth will be glad. Whenthe letters of the holy name are in their proper order, the attribute of mercyprevails in the world; hence, the heavens and the earth rejoice. During the remainingeleven months of the year, the permutation of the name Havaya changes frommonth to month. Thefarther the month is removed from Nissan, the greater the change in that month's permutation of the holy name. As aconsequence, the greater the degree of concealment in that month — the most distant and different from the permutationof Nissan — like a flame in a burning coal. For,the Master is singular; he has not second. Inother words, the end of something in kedushah is always inherent in the beginning.It is a continuous circle; the end and the beginning are connectedmagnificently and incomparably. Inthis manner, we find that Shabbat Kodesh, on the one hand, is the final day ofthe week. On the other hand, however, it is the beginning and source of whattranspires in the week to come. As the Zohar hakadosh teaches (Yisro 88a), Shabbatprovides the blessings for the week to come and influences the week to comewith abundant good: “כל ברכאן דלעילא ותתא ביומא שביעאה תליין” . Similarly,the cycle consisting of the twelve months of the year — is like a circle where theend is intimately connected with the beginning. This,in fact, was the wicked Haman's fatal error. He figuredthat being the last month of the year, Adar possessed the greatest degree ofconcealment. Therefore, he would be able to succeed in executing his diabolicaldecree aimed at the people of Yisrael. He was unaware that in matters ofsanctity, kedushah, the end is inherent in the beginning. Thus, Adar, the finalmonth of the year, is intimately related to Nissan, the first month of the year— whenever the Megillah mentions “King Achashverosh,” it is referring to theactual flesh and blood king with that name; however, whenever the Megillahemploys the generic term “king,” it serves a dual purpose — “That night the king's sleep was disturbed.” Rabbi Tanchum says that the possukis telling us that the King of the Universe's sleep was disturbed. Likewise, when Esther says: “if it pleases the king,” employing the nonspecific term “king,” she is also referring to the King of the Universe, HKB”H. Thiscoincides beautifully with a teaching of the Arizal's. He teaches us that with thisstatement Esther intended to awaken the King of the Universe's attribute of mercy on behalf ofthe people of Yisrael; mercy emanates from the blessed name Havaya. So shedirects her entreaty to HKB”H with the introduction: ” אם על המלך טוב “ -- if it pleases the king — note that the first letters of thesefour words spells out the name Havaya in its original and ideal order, whichconnotes pure mercy. Now,let us apply the illuminating concept of the great Rabbi of Rozhin, zy”a, to gain a deeper appreciation ofEsther's wise intentions. She realized thatHaman's lot fell on the month of Adar — invoking the ultimate permutation of the name Havaya,the permutation that reigns during the month of Nissan. By doing so, she establishedthe connection between the end of the year and the beginning of the year — is contained or dwells within the last month ofthe year. Now,upon closer examination an amazing fact becomes evident. The preparations forthe miracle of Purim already took place eleven months earlier during the monthof Nissan. Firstly, Esther put her lifein jeopardy immediately after Haman issued his decree on the thirteenth ofNissan. She entered the King Achashverosh's chambers without an invitation to do so; this was an act punishable bydeath under the laws of that regime. Yet, she miraculously found favor in theking's eyes and he extended his golden, royalscepter to her — the month designated by Haman for the exterminationof the Jews — Haman was unaware that notonly did Moshe pass away on that date, but he was also born on the seventh ofAdar. HKB”H wished to teach us that concerningmatters of kedushah, the concept of finality and conclusion do not apply.Instead, the end is always intimately connected to the beginning. Consequently,the end of a tzaddik's life, the day of hisdeath, is related to the day he was born. Thisindicates that their Torah and their life's work are eternal and continue to live on in this world. This is thesignificance of Chazal's statement: ולא היה יודע שבשבעה באדר מת ובשבעה באדרנולד” “ — the Rabbis taught in a Baraise: Whatwas Esther's reason for inviting Haman? . . . so that the Jews wouldnot say, “We have a sister in the royal palace,” and neglect praying for divinemercy. Estherendeavored to bring Yisrael to a state of: ” עד אנה אשית עצות בנפשי “ — as we have learned from the greatRabbi of Rozhin, zy”a. Let us attempt toexplain precisely how the miraculous events that transpired in the month ofNissan — affected the events of Purim in the month of Adar. Letus begin by presenting an incredible principle which the Ramban teaches ustowards the end of parshas Bo (Shemos 13, 16) concerning the miraclesassociated with the exodus from Egypt. Thisis a principle that is so fundamental and should be reviewed on a daily basis.He teaches us that the purpose of the supernatural miracles that HKB”H performed on our behalf during theexodus from Egypt were designed to make us aware of the incredible miraclesthat are performed on our behalf daily within the guise of natural occurrences.Here are his famous words: “ומן הנסים הגדולים המפורסמים, אדם מודה בנסים הנסתרים שהם יסוד התורה כולה, שאיןלאדם חלק בתורת משה רבינו, עד שנאמין בכל דברינו ומקרינו, שכולם נסים אין בהם טבע ומנהגושל עולם, בין ברבים בין ביחיד, אלא אם יעשה המצוות יצליחנו שכרו,ואם יעבור עליהם יכריתנוענשו, הכל בגזירת עליון כאשר הזכרתי כבר”. Inother words, everything we experience is a miracle performed by Hashem; thereis no such thing as laws of nature. This applies both to events experienced bythe general public or by individual. If one observes the mitzvos, he will berewarded; if he transgresses them, he will be punished. Everything is governedfrom above. Itis well known that it is not permissible to pray for a miracle. This isexpressed by the Sefer Chassidim as follows ( ואסור להתפלל שיעשה לו הקב”ה נס בשינוי העולם” :( 794 “. He proves his point from the Gemarah (Taanit 26a)which states that one is prohibited from praying that a tree should bear its fruitprematurely. Thereason being that HKB”H created the world tooperate in accord with the laws of nature; yet, it is essential that a personbelieves with all of his heart that HKB”H governs nature. So,it is prohibited to pray for a miracle, because HKB”H does not want to change nature. Atthe time of the exodus from Egypt, however, Yisrael had sunk to the forty-ninthlevel of impurity. As a consequence, HKB”H performed supernatural miracles on their behalf in order to instill inthem faith in Hashem. Still, the main purpose for these extraordinary feats wasto bring the people to the realization that even nature is governed by Hashem's hand — due to the obvious miracles, aperson becomes aware of and grateful for the hidden miracles, which are the basisfor the entire Torah. Withthis, let us present an important principle from the teachings of the KedushatLevi (First Kedushah for Purim). He points out that the miraculous featssurrounding the exodus from Egypt involved an upheaval and departure from thelaws of nature established at the time of creation. Beginningwith the ten plagues and concluding with the splitting of the sea, the laws of naturewere disregarded. Thatwas in stark contrast to the miraculous events that occurred at the time ofPurim — Elder of Yisrael, what is the pointof celebrating Pesach under these circumstances. She was suggesting to him that it was necessaryfor them to cause a stir in the heavens. After all, as we learned from theRamban, the entire reason for celebrating Pesach — is solely so that a person will believe in themiracles that are concealed within the framework of nature. Hence, if themiracles of Purim do not occur within the framework of nature, there is no purposefor the miracles of Pesach. Atthis point, we can revisit Rashi's poetic comment: “משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה - ימי נסים היו לישראל פורים ופסח” -- when Adar begins, we increasejoy -- since this month ushers in the time during which the great miracles ofPurim and Pesach occurred. He teaches us that we rejoice in Adar in celebration of both the events ofPurim, which appeared to transpire within the natural realm, and the events ofPesach, which transpired above and beyond the natural realm. After all, it wasonly in the merit of the Pesach miracles that we merited the Purim miracle. So,clearly, Purim and Pesach are intimately connected and inseparable. Wecan now truly appreciate the depth and significance of the great Rabbi ofRozhin's, zy”a, illuminating words. Haman cast his lot on the month ofAdar believing that, as the last month of the year, it possessed the greatestdegree of divine concealment. He was unaware of the intimaterelationship that exists between the end of the year and the beginning of theyear — a month highlighted by supernatural events — to believe in miracles thatoccur within the framework of nature. So we see that the month of Adar, thelast of the twelve months of the year, is firmly connected to the first monthof the year, Nissan. Thisalso illustrates the deeper significance and wisdom inherent in Queen Esther's plea to our Heavenly King, HKB”H: י'בוא ה'מלך ו'המן ה'יום” “ — the permutation associatedwith the month of Nissan. She fully intended to solidify the connection betweenthe last month, Adar, and the first month, Nissan. For, it is impossible toappreciate the miracles of Purim that were concealed within the realm of natureif not for the visible, supernatural miracles that took place during the monthof Nissan. She invoked the auspicious permutation of the name Havayarepresented by the possuk: י'שמחו ה'שמים ו'תגל ה'ארץ -- the heavens will rejoice andthe earth will be glad. The Arizal explainsthat when the snake touched Chava, the negativity of the snake entered her andcame out in her first born Kayin. Kayin rebelled against G-d and we wonderwhere did he come up with murder. He explains it was the influence of thenachash. The negative side passes through into Esav and Amalek who stirs doubtand kills without fear. In attempting to save his own skin, he does his best toprevent us from getting to the finish line. I want to concludewith the words of the Netivos Shalom, as explained by Rabbi Winston and then myown Sholom NoachBerezovsky 1911 - 2000) was the Slonimer rebbe. His teachings were published asa series of books entitled Netivos Sholom He explains Amalekattacked the Jewish people during their 50 day ascension to Mt. Sinai and theacceptance of Torah. He didn't stop it from happening, but he was able tolessen its impact, and hold of the Final Redemption. The next time Amalektries to block such an opportunity for complete redemption, is just as theJewish people are entering the land. This time Amalek attacks through Balak andBilaam, who, the Zohar explains, were rooted in Amalek. The name Amalek is evenbuilt into their names. Once again, he didn'tstop the event, but he lessened it enough to hold off the Final Redemption fora while longer, once they caused Gad, Reuven, and Menashe to choose to live inthe Diaspora instead of Eretz HaKodesh. The next potential fora complete redemption was in Mordechai's and Esther's time, which, as theTalmud says, was really the completion of what began at Har Sinai over amillennium before. Once again, Amalek showed up, not preventing redemption, butlessening its impact and its ability to eradicate evil from Creation. After that, there werebattles with Amalek, but mostly started by the Jewish people, especially inShaul HaMelech's time. The next war anAmaleki seems to go out of his way to fight against the Jewish people was inWorld War II, which, as Hitler, y”s, himself admitted, was really a war againstthe Jews. And, in pure Amaleki style, he sacrificed the war effort, put himselfat risk, just to harm and murder more Jews. He may not have physicallydescended from Amalek, but he certainly did spiritually. And if I can suggest.We are again at the cusp of history. Amalek through Hamasattacks us when? Shemini Aseret – The day set aside for us and Hashem. We arein the ikvei Meshicha. Just as Amalek didwhen we left Egypt, they attack those who are defenseless and it is up to us fightthem. And finally why do werecall Amalek through the reading of the Torah. Amalek implies doubt That doubt infects us The antidote is Torah The Torah reminds usthat Hashem whether we can “see” or not is always with us. Its up to us to find Him!

Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics:What does this week's Torah portion and time period teach us today?  7 Adar  What mazal does this day bring us?  How does Moshe empower us today?  Are there any special customs or observances on this day?  How could Haman have made such a big mistake and not know the day of Moshe's birthday?  Is there a connection between Moshe's name not being mentioned in Tetzaveh with G-d's name not being mentioned on the Megillah?  What is the primary theme of this parsha and its lessons to us?  What is the significance of the small alef in Vayikra?  Why offerings?  Are we fulfilling the mitzvah of prayer if we just say the words without the intention of offering ourselves to G-d?  What is a shelomim (peace) offering?   What is today's equivalent of the peace offering that we can do to end wars?  What is the main theme of Purim and how can we access its power in our time?  What does Purim teach us about today's war?  Are any of our enemies today a reincarnation of Haman and his cohorts?   Why is G-d's name not mentioned on the Megillah, and how does that give us a deeper appreciation of G-d's essence?  How do the references to “the king” throughout the Megillah reflect on G-d?  What do we learn from Mordechai about...  Why are Jews referred to as Yehudim in the Megillah?  What did the Jews do wrong in attending Achashverosh's party? 

Torah Class - Purim: Punishment Or Natural Consequence? What was so wrong with attending Achashverosh's feast? A new perspective on what lay behind Haman's genocidal plot and the Purim miracle.

You see who someone really wants to be by the way they dress up on Purim. At the beginning of Megillat Esther, Achashverosh throws a party to end all parties. His party costume was the vestments of the High Priest. Was Achavshverosh poking fun at the Jewish People and their prophecies of the end of his all-mighty kingdom? Or maybe there was something deeper? A freilichen Purim! In 1972, Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair opened SARM Studios the first 24-track recording studio in Europe where Queen mixed “Bohemian Rhapsody”. His music publishing company, Druidcrest Music published the music for The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1973) and as a record producer, he co-produced the quadruple-platinum debut album by American band “Foreigner” (1976). American Top ten singles from this album included, “Feels Like The First Time”, “Cold as Ice” and “Long, Long Way from Home”. Other production work included “The Enid – In the Region of the Summer Stars”, “The Curves”, and “Nutz” as well as singles based on The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy with Douglas Adams and Richard O'Brien. Other artists who used SARM included: ABC, Alison Moyet, Art of Noise, Brian May, The Buggles, The Clash, Dina Carroll, Dollar, Flintlock, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Grace Jones, It Bites, Malcolm McLaren, Nik Kershaw, Propaganda, Rush, Rik Mayall, Stephen Duffy, and Yes. In 1987, he settled in Jerusalem to immerse himself in the study of Torah. His two Torah books The Color of Heaven, on the weekly Torah portion, and Seasons of the Moon met with great critical acclaim. Seasons of the Moon, a unique fine-art black-and-white photography book combining poetry and Torah essays, has now sold out and is much sought as a collector's item fetching up to $250 for a mint copy. He is much in demand as an inspirational speaker both in Israel, Great Britain and the United States. He was Plenary Keynote Speaker at the Agudas Yisrael Convention, and Keynote Speaker at Project Inspire in 2018. Rabbi Sinclair lectures in Talmud and Jewish Philosophy at Ohr Somayach/Tannenbaum College of Judaic studies in Jerusalem and is a senior staff writer of the Torah internet publications Ohrnet and Torah Weekly. His articles have been published in The Jewish Observer, American Jewish Spirit, AJOP Newsletter, Zurich's Die Jüdische Zeitung, South African Jewish Report and many others. Rabbi Sinclair was born in London, and lives with his family in Jerusalem. He was educated at St. Anthony's Preparatory School in Hampstead, Clifton College, and Bristol University. A Project Of Ohr.Edu Questions? Comments? We'd Love To Hear From You At: Podcasts@Ohr.Edu https://podcasts.ohr.edu/

(3213) Fall of King Sancheirev of Ashur (3228) Delegation from Babylon visits King Chizkiyahu, at the behest of Berodach Baladan (3316) King Yoshiyahu. (3319) Rise of Nevuchnezzer and Babylonian Empire, conquered Ashur. (3320) Nevuchnezzer conquers Israel. (3321) Yirmiyahu gives the official prophecy. (3327) Golus Cheresh VeHamsger. Exile of King Yechonyah (and Mordechai). (3338) Destruction of the Beis Hamikdash by Nevuchnezzer. (3364) King Evil Merodach becomes King of Babylon. (3386) King Belshazzar becomes King of Babylon. (3389) Belshatzar, calculated 70 years (45 + 23 + 2) from the Rise of his grandfather Nevuchnezzer in the year (3319), makes a feast. End of Babylonian Empire. (3390) Daniel makes a calculation of 70 years, then recalculates. (3391) Koresh calculation of 70 years. Orders rebuilding of Beis Hamikdash. (3392) Achashverosh becomes King of the Persian Empire. (3395) Achashverosh's party and his calculation of 70 years. (3408) 70 years from destruction. Rebuilding of Beis Hamikdash by Daryovesh II son of King Achashverosh and Queen Esther. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/torah-heroes/support

Having left off with the question of why Haman's evil plot was unsuccessful, the maamar now turns its focus to King Achashverosh. We learn that the level of divinity symbolized by Achashverosh refers to a transcendent plane where the categories of ends and beginnings lack any practical distinction. Consequently, the rule of Achashverosh was characterized by a time of seeming divine indifference, where evil appeared to have been allowed to prevail without incurring G-d's immediate judgment. Why then did Haman still feel the need to cast a lottery to carry out his plan? Chapters 6 and 7 of the maamar.

2 sections- depravity of seuda of Achashverosh and outcome, descriptions of Mordechai

Megilla 12b- depravity of seudas Achashverosh and lesson to us

2 sections- resolution of contradiction 70 yr beginning, derashos of party of Achashverosh and his wealth