Posted on 03/07/17
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 1, 2017:
Rosh Chodesh Adar- PTG: Using Challenges for Growth
Pesach is the Yom Tov of distinction between the Jews and their oppressors, while Purim is characterized by a blurring of distinctions. In the month of Adar, it is not so clear which events are terrible, and which are great. This difference is characterized in the dissimilar outcomes when Sarah and Esther were taken to the house of kings- while Sarah left untouched, Esther remained in the palace for the rest of her life. Although everything that led up to the Purim story did not seem to be great events for a miracle to occur, in the end, the entire situation completely turned around. This is the avodah (work) of the month of Adar-to use difficult situations to grow, and try to find the simcha even in difficult circumstances, like those of the Purim story.
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7 Adar Dinner - Cincinatti - Bringing the Jewish People Together
In this speech given at a Zayin Adar Seudah to the Chevra Kadisha members, we discuss different aspects of chessed involved with the story of Purim. We are one nation, and our self-interest and communal interest cannot be separated, as seen with Esther's dedication to her people when she went to the king uninvited. Esther also personifies another aspect of chessed- the opportunity to be G-d's hand and extend goodness to others. On Purim, we act with chessed when we focus on the mitzvos of the day, enabling us to extensions of Hashem's hands, focused on the good of the community.
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Purim - Esther: Lost it All, Gave it All
Esther was orphaned from both parents before she had a chance to know them. Her parents gave up their lives so that she could be born, just like their ancestor, Rachel Imeinu, gave her life for her son Binyamin to be born. Esther has this trait within her as well-she is willing to give everything up, both physically and spiritually, for the sake of Bnei Yisroel. Esther played her role at a time when the Jewish people felt orphaned from Hashem; she, as an orphan, stepped in and did the job. These 2 elements are the power and heroism of Esther.
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Purim - Vashti's Tail
One of the most famous midrashim on Purim discusses the tail that Vashti grew after she was summoned to Achashveirosh. There are animalistic elements of Vashti that are expressed through the growth of a tail, similar to her grandfather Nevuchadnezzar. Nevuchadnezzar was reduced to an animal-like creature when he became too haughty and forgot that Hashem is above the entire world. The snake convinced Chava to eat from the Etz Hadaas with this same idea: the possibility to be on the same level as Hashem, rather than below Him. However, the picture of a true tzelem elokim, someone is the image of G-d who is above animals, is someone who recognizes that Hashem is above him.
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Rediscovering Purim Part 1: Renewed Commitment
Purim is a time when we reaccepted the Torah, reaffirming our connection to Hashem. In this shiur based on the teachings of Rav Hutner, we explore three explanations of Kimu V'kiblu (they established and reaccepted [the Torah]). First, although Amalek wants to claim that our relationship with Hashem is a chance encounter, we prove that it is an ongoing relationship that we will stick to and preserve. Additionally, we are stating that we were not forced, but rather, we are the same Klal Yisroel that said Na'aseh V'nishmah (we will do and we will hear) at Har Sinai, and we want to accept the Torah. This positive acceptance does not necessitate any separation from the past or charatah (regret); rather, the strength of the good takes away from the strength of the bad through the v'nahapoch hu of Purim.
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Rediscovering Purim Part 2: Yaakov & Eisav- The Purim Story
Purim is a continuation of the conflict between Yaakov and Esav, as expressed through Esav's descendant, Amalek. Although Yaakov and Esav are twins and share similar external similarities, they are fundamentally different internally. In this shiur based on the teachings of Rav Hutner, we explore two different dimensions of the relationship between Yaakov and Esav. While Esav's realm is Olam Hazeh and gashmiyus (materialism), Yaakov's portion is Olam Habah (the World to Come), and focused on ruchniyus (spirituality). Esav is powerful today, and appears as though he is winning in this world, but ultimately, Yaakov has the power of tomorrow, and will win over Esav. Purim is a time when we experienced that element of machar (tomorrow), winning over Amalek, as Yaakov triumphing over Esav.
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