Purim 393 articles

Jewish Holidays

Purim commemorates our salvation from Haman. We read Megilat Esther, eat a festive meal, send mishloach manot (gifts) to friends and matanot l’evyonim (gifts to the poor)

Adar, Purim and the Joy of Being a Jew
Adar, Purim and the Joy of Being a Jew
As Adar Begins … One of the most beloved of all our halachot is, “When Adar arrives, we increase simcha, joy.” Without a doubt, there is a unique quality to the...
Mar 5, 2019
By Rabbi Reuven Sasson
Mishloach Manot: The Machloket Terumat Hadeshen and Manot HaLevi…Plus 3 More Reasons
Mishloach Manot: The Machloket Terumat Hadeshen and Manot HaLevi…Plus...
What if Reuven sends Shimon Mishloach Manot and Shimon refuses it, does Reuven fulfill his obligation? The Rama says he is yotzei. Why is he yotzei – he hasn’t given anything...
Mar 5, 2019
By Rabbi Daniel Glatstein
Who Wrote Megillat Esther? The Sharp Analysis of the Brisker Rav Uncovers Two Dimensions of the Megillah
Who Wrote Megillat Esther? The Sharp Analysis of the...
The Megillah itself says that Esther and Mordechai wrote Megillat Esther; the gemara says it was written by Anshei Knesset HaGedolah. Which one is correct? Download the mekorot Shiur provided courtesy...
Mar 4, 2019
By Rabbi Daniel Glatstein
The Half Shekel and the Shekalim of Haman: What is the Connection?
The Half Shekel and the Shekalim of Haman: What...
There were two half-shekel offerings: a one-time donation (for the building of the mishkan) and the annual half shekel (for korbanot) – building fund vs. operating budget. Why was there an...
Mar 3, 2019
By Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Breitowitz
The Real Story of Purim
The Real Story of Purim
The Purim story is the last time when all the Jews lived under one empire. Normally when there is a war against one enemy we celebrate victory on one day, if...
Feb 28, 2019
By Rabbi Mendel Kessin
“The Purim Story”: When did it Really Happen? Four Approaches to the Revolutionary Teaching of the Yerushalmi
“The Purim Story”: When did it Really Happen? Four...
The year of Purim was a leap year as is alluded to in the Megillah. In which month did Haman decree to kill the Jews? If so, then there should be no...
Feb 21, 2019
By Rabbi Daniel Glatstein
Purim Katan: Emunah & Simcha
Purim Katan: Emunah & Simcha
Feb 19, 2019
By Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer
Purim Katan: Even Greater Than Purim? The Electrifying Revelation of Chasam Sofer
Purim Katan: Even Greater Than Purim? The Electrifying Revelation...
The Rama quotes the Tur who writes that those who are machmir increase in seudah on Purim Katan and ends off Orach Chaim with the verse “וטוב לב משתה תמיד” –...
Feb 19, 2019
By Rabbi Daniel Glatstein
Calendar Conundrums: Halachic Insights into Adar Alef and Bet
Calendar Conundrums: Halachic Insights into Adar Alef and Bet
Which is the real Adar? This affects when to celebrate Purim, when to observe a yahrtzeit, and when a child becomes bar/bat mitzvah. Why is Adar always the added month? Do...
Feb 7, 2019
By Rabbi Anthony Manning
VaYigdal Moshe on Purim
VaYigdal Moshe on Purim
זכור את אשר עשה לך עמלק כה:יז Numerous times, the word machar (tomorrow) is mentioned in the context of mechiyas Amaleik (wiping out Amaleik). In parshas Beshalach – the very first...
May 3, 2018
By Rav Mosheh Twersky HY"D

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