7 Adar Dinner - Cincinatti - Bringing the Jewish People Together by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe 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.

A Thought on Tzav - Fasting and Feasting by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Netzach Yisrael 58 - Purim- Shaul, Esther & Amalek by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe There are strong parallels between the story of Shaul's failure to destroy Amalek and Esther's charge from Mordechai to go to Achashveirosh on behalf of the Jewish People. The theme of the Maharal's sefer--Netzach Yisroel, the eternity of the Jewish People, ties these two stories together with the concept that Hashem will not allow our nation to be destroyed. Both Shaul and Esther were given the opportunity to be the messengers of Hashem to complete the task. Shaul did not accomplish this goal, but Esther stepped up to the plate, using her position to save the Jewish People while knowing that it was Hashem running the show.

Pachad Yitzchok 1- Purim- Amalek: Leitzanus Versus Avodah by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe In the Pachad Yitzchok's first inyan related to Purim, Rav Hutner discusses Amalek. Amalek is characterized by leitzanus: scorning, mockery, and a lack of reverence. They increase ridicule in the world and show that nothing is valuable. We are instructed scorn avodah zarah, which comes from our understanding of the significance of real avodah and the worthlessness of idol worship. Amalek and Bnei Yisroel are opposites-their essence is ridicule, while ours is praise.

Pachad Yitzchok 2- Purim- Malchiyos & Amim: Amalek's Subordination by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue with discussion of Rav Hutner's first inyan related to Purim. Unlike other nations, Amalek will not be able to exist in acharis hayamim (the end of days), because they were the ones who initiated opposition against Bnei Yisroel. In our golus, we experience different kinds of subordination- the enslavement in the hands of the malchiyos (kingdoms) who undermine our status as servants of Hashem, and the amim, nations, who stand in the way of our service of Hashem without causing us to be their servants. Amalek combines the two-they are the first of the nations, but get the kingdoms involved in order to subordinate the Jews to a different master. They try to stop the revelation of Hashem at Matan Torah, and want to prevent us from doing His will.

Pachad Yitzchok 3- Purim- The Persian Element; Origination & Preservation by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe In the second inyan of Pachad Yitzchok related to Purim, Rav Hutner discusses why we refer to Purim with its Persian name. There is an added element to the nes specifically because Haman acted through Persia. It is a blending of the two kinds of subordination- that of the malchiyos (kingdoms), and that of the amim (nations). We continue with the 3rd inyan, explaining the kabbalas Hatorah of Purim versus Matan Torah. On Purim, we renew the covenant that was originated at Har Sinai. We are preserving and maintain the light of the Torah that originated when we left Mitzrayim.

Pachad Yitzchok 4- Purim- Megillas Esther- From Today 'till Tomorrow by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe In the 5th inyan about Purim in the Pachad Yitzchok, Rav Hutner explains how Megillas Esther will not be batul (nullified) at the end of days, as opposed to the writings of the neviim. Esav, the forbearer of Amalek, lives for today, and only flourishes in the here and now. Yaakov is the opposite- functioning and living for machar, tomorrow. We triumph over Amalek because of this aspect of machar; therefore, Megillas Esther will not be nullified in the future.

Parshas Tetzaveh & Purim- Ring Before Entering by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Purim - Can Drinking be a Mitzvah by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Purim - Esther: Lost it All, Gave it All by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe 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.

Purim - Fury and Coolness by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe When Amalek came to fight Bnei Yisrael, the term used is "karcha baderech"- they happened upon you along the way. The word "keri" can mean by chance, and it can also mean coolness. If we view things in a cool, detached manner, Hashem will add cheimah-fury-to the keri, heating things up so that we will respond appropriately. Therefore, the idea of cheimah appears repeatedly in the megillah. We must take care not to "cool off" in our relationship with Hashem when his hand seems to be hidden, blaming things on chance like Amalek does.

Purim - Inspiring Our Family Life by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Two of the central mitzvos of Purim are matanos le'evyonim (gifts to the poor) and mishloach manos (gifts to friends). The Rambam writes that the most important mitzva on Purim is not the seudah (feast) or mishloach manos, but matanos le'evyonim. We might think this is because giving to the poor is the most virtuous of the mitzvos, but this is not his reasoning. The Rambam explains that the thing that gives a person the most joy is giving to others. When we bring joy to someone else, we are using the piece inside of us which is domeh l'shechina (similar to G-d) to imitate His ways. Hashem is the Ultimate Giver, and we aim to be like Him. This is a concept which we can apply to our family lives as well, using this attribute of giving to bring the Shechina into our relationships. We hope to use the day of Purim to be givers, and to uplift ourselves with the rich taste of the joy of bringing happiness to others.

Purim - Vashti's Tail by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe 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.

Purim and Unity by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe One of the 4 mitzvos of Purim is Mishloach Manos, giving gifts to our friends, which creates a closeness and bond between people. One of the fundamental understandings of bein adam l'chavero (actions between man and his friend) is that we all need in each other in order to survive and thrive. We need each other in every aspect, and must act as our brother's keeper. This can be the case even with Yaakov and Esav-the challenges and difficulties are necessary in order for us to reach our shleimus (perfection).

Purim is Not a Yom Tov by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Purim is not a Yom Tov, as we are allowed to do melacha (work). It cannot be a full Yom Tov like Sukkos and Pesach, as we were still under the rule of Achashveirosh. Although we celebrate our salvation with great joy, it was not a complete redemption, especially for Esther Hamalka, who was still stuck in the palace. Specifically on Purim, the holiday in exile, we send gifts to the poor and to our friends, making sure to take care of one another, unlike times of complete redemption, when Hashem takes care of Bnei Yisrael directly.

Purim Shiur - Getting Married on Purim by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Rediscovering Purim Part 1: Renewed Commitment by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe 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.

Rediscovering Purim Part 2: Yaakov & Eisav- The Purim Story by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe 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.

Rosh Chodesh Adar- PTG: Using Challenges for Growth by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe 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.

Sarah and Esther: Wake Up! by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe When Rabbi Akiva was trying to arouse his sleeping students, he told them that Sarah lived for 127 years, and her granddaughter Esther merited ruling 127 countries. Although the stories of Sarah and Esther have some similarities, they are fundamentally different. Sarah leaves the palace of Pharaoh untouched, while Esther is forced live the rest of her life with Achashveirosh. Hashem was hidden in the times of Esther, and things seemed to be very difficult. However, each difficult piece ended up contributing to the redemption. If such a seemingly terrible occurrence can be part of the salvation, anything can be! Rabbi Akiva was telling his students to awaken from a period of sleep and little growth to recognize that it is the same Hashem who controlled both manifestations of 127, and is the same Hashem with us today.

Taanis Esther, Prayer and Purim by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Taanis Esther is a day of tefillah. The power of the Jewish People comes from the bracha (blessing) of Yitzchok, Hakol Kol Yaakov, the voice is the voice of Yaakov. Our weapon to fight against Eisav is our tefillos. On Purim, Mordechai, the descendant of Yaakov, fights against Haman, the descendant of Eisav. We spent three days fasting and praying that Hashem should send us a salvation. Esther does not tell Achashveirosh her request immediately to teach us that sometimes, the answer to our prayers is not immediate, but Hashem gathers our tefillos and always listens and responds.

Tetzaveh, Zachor & Purim - Dressing as the King by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The garments of the Kohen are described as garments of glory and honor. The spirit of Hashem rests on the Kohen when he wears these garments, just as the spirit of Hashem rests in the mishkan. There are times when Hashem acts through people, either for the good or the bad. Hashem acted through Achashveirosh in the Purim story, as is seen throughout the megillah with the word "Hamelech" (the king-referring to Hashem.) Hashem's kingdom will not be complete until Amalek is destroyed; only when the Purim story concludes with the demise of Haman and his sons can the Beis Hamikdash be rebuilt.

The Torah of Rav Moshe Shapira - Purim and the Death of Moshe by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe