By: Rabbi Daniel Reifman The book of Esther is famously distinctive for being only one of two biblical books which do not contain the name of God (Shir haShirim being the other). Commentators have often struggled with this curious phenomenon:…
Tanakh, Ketuvim (Writings), Esther, Jewish calendar, Purim
What does the Torah actually mean by ‘wiping out Amalek’? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Elisha Anscelovits explore the Torah’s commandment to wipe out Amalek, examining its historical, practical, and ethical dimensions. As Purim approaches, they discuss…
Jewish calendar, Purim
Join Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield this week as he delves deep into the rich theological tapestry of Purim alongside Rafael Polisuk. Together, they explore the intricate messages woven into the fabric of the holiday and the profound challenges encountered by the…
Jewish calendar, Purim, Tanakh, Torah, Vayikra (Leviticus), Vayikra
The story of Esther is a story that is replete with rich costumes which can reflect or at times reveal the key personalities. This shiur will examine the role of the sartorial masks of the Megilla and in particular, the…
Tanakh, Ketuvim (Writings), Esther, Jewish living, Marriage and divorce, Jewish calendar
On the surface, Purim and Pesach have a number of things in common: 1) we drink four cups of wine on Pesach; we drink ad d’lo yada on Purim. 2) We have a festive meal on Pesach; we have a…
Tanakh, Ketuvim (Writings), Esther, Jewish calendar, Pesach, Purim
In the special haftarah for Shabbat Zachor, Saul loses his kingship over a failure to thoroughly destroy the tribe of Amalek. Did Saul just err by leaving the king alive, or was there something more sinister happening here? Source: 1…
Jewish calendar, Purim, Shabbat Zachor, Tanakh, Torah, Shemot (Exodus)
Rabbi Shlomo Shapira (1831-1893) was from an important rabbinic family of hassidic masters, and he precipitated what would become known as Munkatch Hassidism. Rabbi Shlomo was essentially of Galician stock. His grandfather was the famed Rabbi Tsevi Elimelekh of Dynów…
Self & spirituality, Hasidut, Jewish calendar, Purim
In the run up to Purim, Rabbi Michael Hattin gave the second lecture in a 2-part series on Megillat Esther, this time focusing on Divine Concealment and Human Initiative. Click here for part 1.
Tanakh, Ketuvim (Writings), Esther, Jewish calendar, Purim, Self & spirituality
Many students never question why Mordechai wouldn’t bow to Haman, but according to halakha there isn’t a prohibition against bowing to a fellow human being, as a social custom or sign of respect. So why didn’t Mordechai bow to Haman?…
Critical issues, Mahloket Matters/conflict resolution, Jewish calendar, Purim
There is nothing mysterious about why Purim has had such a compelling hold on the psyche of the Jewish people throughout the ages. The figure of the despotic ruler (or his surrogate) who seeks to destroy us has been all-too…
Critical issues, Mahloket Matters/conflict resolution, Jewish calendar, Purim
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