Mordechai in reward for his service for the Emperor Achashvairosh is to be lead through the streets of Shushan riding on the Royal Mount dressed in Royal robes with the Chief Royal Advisor Haman acting as herald (see Esther 6:1-11). The Talmud (Megilah 16a) relates what happened when Haman set out to fulfill the King’s command.
Haman found Mordechai teaching a Torah lesson to an assembly of scholars. Rashi ZT’L ZY’A explains that this was the third day of fasting (see Esther 4:16)…
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Added by Bernard S. Antin on February 26, 2010 at 5:58am —
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Purim
Purim is all about unity...
The Megillah (Megillat Esther, 3;9) tells us that Haman was willing to give up 10,000 talents of…
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Added by Jason Behar on February 26, 2010 at 1:55am —
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Tetzaveh
This week's parsha discusses all of the garments worn by the cohanim (priests) during their service.
The Gemara (Zevachim, 88b) states that all of the vestments worn by the cohanim atoned for sins; The tunic atoned for murder, the trousers for sexual license, the turban atoned for haughtiness, the belt for impure thoughts, the breastplate for misjudgment, the… Continue
Added by Jason Behar on February 26, 2010 at 1:53am —
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שבת טעם החיים תצוה-זכור תש"ע
Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Tetzaveh-Zachor…
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Added by Rabbi Binyomin Adler on February 26, 2010 at 12:17am —
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Toras Purim Deluxe 5770
Prepared by: Rabbi Binyomin Adler, best remembered for Toras Purim which was not deluxe. Stay tuned…
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Added by Rabbi Binyomin Adler on February 25, 2010 at 10:44pm —
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A SPECIAL BAR MITZVAH FOR A VERY SPECIAL BOY
BY: FERN SIDMAN
For most Jewish boys, the months prior to their 13th birthday are rife with anticipation as they immerse themselves in the preparations for their upcoming Bar Mitzvah. It is this rite of passage into manhood that marks a very special day for the entire family and community. The guest list, the caterer, the musicians, the photographer, the new suits and dresses are all top priorities, as the family…
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Added by Fern Sidman on February 22, 2010 at 8:54pm —
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By strengthening our qualities, it spills over to others, thereby helping both parties
Added by sharona on February 22, 2010 at 3:20am —
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Added by Jason Behar on February 19, 2010 at 6:46am —
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The imagery is dramatic, Esther risking her life approaches her husband’s Throne Room unsummoned (Esther 4:11, 5:1) Achashvairosh , the King allows his Queen to advance and be heard (5: 2). Achashvairosh then declares “. . . [W]hat is your request ? [Esther you may ask for ]Up to half of my kingdom and it will be done!” (5:3)
The Talmud (Megila 15b) offers a dual interpretation of Achashvairosh’s statement. Achashvairosh either was limiting his readiness to fulfill the Queen’s…
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Added by Bernard S. Antin on February 18, 2010 at 10:21pm —
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שבת טעם החיים תרומה תש"ע…
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Added by Rabbi Binyomin Adler on February 18, 2010 at 5:43am —
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PURIM AND THE PERSIAN EMPIRE
A Historical, Archaeological & Geographical Perspective
(Feldheim Publishers)
By: Yehuda Landy
Reviewed by: Fern Sidman
As Jews, we are blessed to enjoy the observance of many holidays; all of which are steeped in rich meaning, symbolism and profound lessons for life. We are taught that the one holiday that will endure forever, even after the coming of Moshiach and the final redemption will be that…
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Added by Fern Sidman on February 16, 2010 at 9:22pm —
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Mishpatim
In this week's parsha we have the sin of hearing lashon hara (23;1, see Rashi) and according to the Rambam the sin of speaking lashon hara as well.
There are a lot of difficult questions regarding lashon hara (literally: evil language, meaning: speaking bad about others)...Here are some of them:
Firstly, the Gemara (Erchin, 15b) states that lashon hara is equal to idolatry, adultery and murder all put together. However, what's the…
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Added by Jason Behar on February 12, 2010 at 7:22am —
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The Mishna says that if your Sukka is above 20 Amos, it's Pasul. R' Yehuda says it's Kosher. If it's not high ten T'fachim or doesn't have three walls or has more sun than shade, it's Pasul.
In Eiruvin it says that a Koreh (a beam that went horizontally across the opening of an alleyway, to serve as a distinction between the alley and the street, so you won't come to carry on Shabbos in the street just like you carry in the alley) that is above 20 Amos, you need to lower it. The…
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Added by rav chaim on February 12, 2010 at 6:34am —
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שבת טעם החיים משפטים תש"ע
Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Mishpatim…
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Added by Rabbi Binyomin Adler on February 12, 2010 at 4:21am —
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The depth of G-D’s providence remains a source of constant wonder. This past week Rabbi Dr. Bernard Lander and Rabbi Chaskel Besser passed away within the same day. These tow personalities who represented all that is Torah to the broader world even where it or they would ordinarily be welcome. Both had a personal impact on my life.
During the latter half of 1980’s this author lived on the Upper West Side near Rabbi Besser’s Congregation and served on the Judaic Studies faculty at…
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Added by Bernard S. Antin on February 12, 2010 at 3:44am —
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RELIGIOUS COMPULSIONS AND FEARS
A Guide To Treatment
By: Avigdor Bonchek, PhD
Reviewed by: FERN SIDMAN
Is there a fine line of separation between scrupulous adherence to halachic law; translating into meticulous observance of religious commandments and that of finding oneself tethered to obsessions, compulsions and fears regarding the proper method in which to perform them? Avigdor Bonchek, PhD, an ordained Orthodox rabbi who holds a…
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Added by Fern Sidman on February 11, 2010 at 7:33am —
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Good example of serving Hashem with Joy/ We Don't have to do it the same way like this family(100 guests on shabbos) but we can each take an example and learn how to put joy into what we do, plus pass it to our family and others. http://www.themachliscampaign.com/about.php
Added by sharona on February 11, 2010 at 7:20am —
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Dear Readers,
At limudtotah.jewishweb.org
On Friday we will start Mesecta Sukka. The format will be that regular Gemara Rashi will be in regular font, while Tosfos will be in bold. That way, if you only want to read through the Gemara it will be easy to skip the bold. And when you want to, you can go over Tosfos afterwards.
I wanted to put up a forum so people can discuss the Gemara, but it's impractical at the moment. But any questions, Ha'aros or the sort,…
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Added by rav chaim on February 11, 2010 at 6:16am —
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Here are a couple more great shiurim sites
www.naaleh.com
www.webyeshiva.org/
Added by sharona on February 8, 2010 at 3:30am —
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Yisro
In this week's parsha Yisro (Moshe's father in law) becomes the first person to convert to Judaism.
Rashi (18;11) relates that Yisro had served every single idolatry in the world before converting.
Additionally, Rashi (18;11) relates that Yisro had recognized…
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Added by Jason Behar on February 5, 2010 at 6:30am —
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