The ongoing CUSTOMS & CONVENTIONS series focuses on timely rules, regulations, and traditional observances related to the Jewish holidays and special times on our Jewish unique calendar! A fascinating discovery on the tradition of PURIM DRINKING. Why in Heaven would Halacha require Intoxication? Learn the truth about "GETTING WASTED" in an Episode overflowing with insight and inspiration. Making Sense out of Drinking till you are Senseless! Uncorking bottled-up secret Torah teachings on...

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Fifty-Two ! Chapter 9, Part 9 - Verse 23 Narrates the story of how Purim became a Holiday. While our previous Episodes enabled us to better appreciate the unique observance of the miraculous transformation, this new Episode tells the story of the Great National Embrace of those very observances and why they didn't fade with the passage of time. The evolution of organic, elective celebrations to an obligatory annual Mitzvah observance was a...

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Megillah Daf/Page - 17a - Class # 55 ' features a Purim-inspired analysis of pious past precedents that provide a series of profound lessons on the power and overriding importance of Torah Teaching and Learning! In the previous Episodes, we’ve already explored the telling descriptions of Mordechai HaYehudi’s popularity and acceptance as overwhelming but not absolute. This segued into a discovery of the overriding virtue of Torah. In this...

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Fifty-One (Part Two) Chapter 9, Part 8 - Verse 22 This Episode overflows with profound insight about one of the Purim's greatest enigmas: the Extreme Wine Infusion into our Holiday-mandated Feasting and Rejoicing! Our previous Episode completed the Purim Transformation Thesis, leading us into a fuller appreciation of this holiday is observed with such unique Mitzvot that foster and perpetuate its essence for posterity. Here, as we complete...

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Megillah Daf/Page - 16b - Class # 54 A Purim-Hero inspired focus on profiling greatness, specifically zeroing in on what virtue, matters most? The Scroll of Esther states; Mordechai HaYehudi’s unique weave of political power and saintly scholarship ~ was supported by [only a] majority of his brethren. This prompts an exploration of what achievement is considered greatest of all. Our quest will lead us into a surprising discovery of what...

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Fifty-One (Part One) Chapter 9, Part 7 - Verse 22 In the previous Episode we elaborated on the full story of how Purim was penned into Posterity by Mordechai and unique Thesis of Transformation that incorporates not only the Festive Days, but rather the entire month. This Episode opens with a continued development of that fascinating Transformation Thesis. Fully understanding this will naturally lead us into an appreciation of why it's...

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Megillah Daf/Page - 16b - Class # 53 Here we attain a better understand the extraordinary, yet enigmatic qualities of greatness possessed by these proverbial holiday heroes! We open with a homiletic reading of a precise word in the Scroll of Esther to reveal where credit must be given for the miracle. Perhaps the message on Great Leadership is about a partnership not isolation, or maybe it really is about the Power of One! Discover fresh...

A fascinating discovery on the Fast of Esther Lifting the Lid on the Tradition to Starve before Feasting! Our analysis of the earliest recipes regarding this pre-Purim observance yields tantalizing surprises. Looking back at the original ingredients it turns out there's more than one way to gel cohesion and consistency. Flavoured by an eclectic blend of the development of these Torah-true teachings traditions, a rich and satisfying presentation - punctuated with additions and...

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Fifty Chapter 9, Part 6 - Verses 20-22 These are the verses of scripture that present the remarkable story of Purim's formal canonization and induction into eternity. The fascinating story of how the holiday (along with its sacred observances) was enacted! The long string of extraordinary events that led to the Jewish People's salvation capped with the stunningly successful battle of self-defense was so obviously miraculous; the nation...

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Megillah Daf/Page - 16b - Class # 52 Our Sages make a point of carefully analyzing the specific language employed by the scriptural narrative. That's because whether they were spoken, written, or read, the Words are telling, and they convey important details of the Megillah's Message! When a King’s belligerent tough talk miraculously shifted into softly spoken sensitivity. Why the Queen’s presentation of a letter written in hate, lead to a...

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Forty-Nine Chapter 9, Part 5 - Verses 16-19 The Jewish People across the vast Persian Empire rose to defend themselves against their mortal enemies. The offensive against those actively plotting genocide was stunningly successful. On the morrow of fierce fighting, upon miraculous deliverance from Empire-wide enemies, the Jewish People celebrated. Yet, in Shushan, the battles lasted longer. Consequently, their delayed deliverance meant a...

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Megillah Daf/Page - 16b - Class # 51 The Megillah makes a point of listing the Ten Sons of Haman who were killed by the Jewish people and (later) gibbeted in their offensive Battle of self-Defense. Here we will discover that it’s far more than reportage of facts and figures. The Talmud speaks of unique Mitzvah methodology for reading this enumeration of evil in a single breath. Clearly demonstrating that this Execution of Justice was No...

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Forty-Eight Chapter 9, Part 4 - Verses 11-15 As already narrated in the previous episodes, the Jewish People across the vast Persian Empire rose up to defend themselves against their mortal enemies. The offensive against those actively plotting genocide was stunningly successful. Yet as previously elaborated, in the country's Capital; Haman's home base -- they met fiercer resistance. A pitched battle ensues. Ultimately, the Jewish...

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Forty-Seven Chapter 9, Part 3 - Verses 6-10 The miraculous turnabout of events and the rise of Persia’s pious new Prime Minister, enabled the Jewish People to mount a vigorous campaign of aggressive defensive measures across the massive 127 Province Empire. The offensive was met with surprisingly stunning successful. The Megillah's narrative now zero's in on country's Capital, Shushan where some of the fiercest fighting ensued. In the end...

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Forty-Six Chapter 9, Part 2 - Verses 4-5 This opening of the ninth chapter of the Megillah continues with the details of the primary technical cause of the stunning Turnabout, the Rising Star Mordechai, as well as the actual empire-wide campaign that was carried out. Here, we'll learn more about the remarkable power of Persia’s brand-new Pious Prime Minister. The Megillah chooses to highlight Mordechai’s influence and reputation, placing...

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Forty-Five Chapter 9, Part 1 - Verses 1-3 This Episode, opening the ninth chapter of the Megillah. It highlights the remarkable transformation experienced in triumphant, miraculous deliverance from murderous enemies. This details the historical battle and victory annually celebrated with the extremely joyous holiday called Purim. In a stunning turnabout, on the very same day the Jewish people were scheduled to be attacked, and slated for...

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Megillah Daf/Page - 16a - Class # 47 This Episode opens with a re-examination of the King's Stroll-in-the-Garden. This serves to further clarify the general intent of the Sages in their expositions of these verses, and better appreciate the flow of their teachings. Reviewing the Monarch's successive [outdoor and indoor] jaded assessment of things is about more that simply setting the stage for the next act. Revisiting the scene allows us a...

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Megillah Daf/Page - 16a - Class # 46 This Episode opens with Haman, the-Hater-in-Chief still reeling in shock from the worst day in his life. His wise friends advise him that his experiences may likely represent a watershed moment. Far from being a temporary setback, his recent fiascos' probably spell the end of his meteoric political career. Soiled, disconcerted, and disoriented, he can't even contemplate his next move due to the sudden arrival...

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Megillah Daf/Page - 15b-16a The Palace Drama is on, and the BIG question is: will the Queen's Gambit succeed? To fill in th the gaps: the private party was delightful, although not terribly uneventful. Amidst the flow of fine wine and vacuous banter, the now inebriated King, yet again, offers Esther “Half the Kingdom.” And inexplicably, she, yet again, politely declines. All she wants is yet another intimate little dinner with His Royal Highness...

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Megillah Daf/Page - 15b Miraculously, the erratic King is so enchanted (and shockingly not upset)by the Queen’s brazen intrusion he offers “Half the Kingdom!” Instead of Seizing the Moment, she invites him to dinner with the architect of her nation’s genocide. What in heaven was she thinking?! Here's some background: After fasting and praying for 3 days, the Queen gambles on her life end, and illegally enters the King's Royal Throne room. ...

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Megillah Daf/Page - 15b How Mordechai’s “Paul Revere Moment” Unfolded and the fallout it engendered.

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Forty-Four Chapter 8, Part 5 How a Province-wide Wake Up was Municipally Mirrored in the Persian Patchwork Empire and Lead to Mass Conversion!!

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Forty-Three Chapter 8, Part 4 Euphemistically Illuminated. Why Embodying Jewish Distinction is best achieved with Meaningful Metaphors of “Light, Happiness, Joy and Glory”!

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Forty-Two Chapter 8, Part 3 Law and Order Proclaimed. The Making of a Jewish Prime Minister. How a Switch of Style triggered Citywide Celebrations!