24 results found. Displaying results 1 to 24 of 24.
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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