Purim With Rabbi Kaplan

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 the traditional [mandated?] Purim over-the-top consumption of Wine is sure to bubble over with thrilling surprises. This complex mix of Torah-true vintage teachings features the kind of rich, satisfying flavour and texture, only achievable by blending the unique characteristics of a wide range of the literal, homiletical and mystical dimension! The creative genius of a contemporary Master serves to bring the concert of insight into a symphony of delightful perfection!

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 preservatives - is then blended. Yet, the popular name indicates a very important ingredient is still missing. The creative genius of a contemporary Master Chef serves to bring this presentation to perfection! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Custom and Convention! ! Find out why we fold the Megillah of Esther when reading it, even though scrolls are typically rolled!

Custom and Convention: — ! The famous holiday gifts of edibles have become emblematic of Purim's joyous celebrations. Since antiquity, and regardless of geography they've been festooned and decorated – arguably unlike any other mitzvah we fulfil. Here we seek to understand the deeper rhyme, reason and jurisprudence of this unique rabbinic ordained observance. By tracing earliest origins, and noting its understated documentation, we arrive at a profound new appreciation of its purpose and methodology—as a means to an end, rather than an end in and of itself.

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 bigger deal than most people realize. Here, we peel away the layers to reveal the untold story of how the timely inspiration was translated into perpetual perspiration and lasting commitment. This will lead us to discover the deeper cosmic messages secretly encoded into the way Purim festivities achieving eternity! This is the fifty-second segment in an ongoing series on the biblical Scroll of Esther.

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 the study of the scriptural enactments, we zero in on Purim's trademark feasting and merrymaking that centrally features the lavish, and even unchecked drinking of wine. No other Torah observance is quite like this. In fact, to be sure, all other formal holiday celebrations pointedly shy away from it. This leaves us with the burning question: what in heaven does wine-induced intoxication have to do with holiness. Does increasing our spirits intake really increase spiritual consciousness, and how is it reflective of our said thesis of transformation?

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 observed in so unique and unusual a fashion. Our literal and conceptual analysis of Purim's unique Mitzvah enactments explain how they were custom designed to perpetuate the true essence of Purim for posterity.

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 erupted in celebratory thanksgiving to Hashem. To be sure, the powerful visceral and soulful reaction and joyous expression was undoubtedly Mitzvah oriented. Yet, it could easily have faded with time. This is about how the festive celebration was embedded into the DNA of Torah-truth eternity. Discover how Purim became the most joyous day annually observed on the Jewish calendar and took its place of honour alongside the proverbial pantheon of mandatory Mitzvot -- binding upon every single Jew until the end of time, and even beyond! The story of penned Purim Posterity and its unique Thesis of Transformation observed with over-the-top Rejoicing come alive in the careful study of these verses. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

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 delayed celebration. Ultimately its all comprised of the same joy. We will also then discover how walls will heretofore divide Festivities. And this is filled with deeper meaning and significance! Decoding these verses does far more than give us a better appreciation of the scope of the Divine Deliverance. It opens the door to a radically transformed perspective of the higher purpose of life itself. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

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 Defenders achieve full victory and the enemy's demonic leadership, Haman’s Sons, were hung. The many casualties were reported to the King, and he asks what else can be done to ensure the Jewish People's lasting safety and security. Although, to be sure, the debriefed King first required an ethereal lesson in anger management. At the Queen’s behest, and in view of Shushan’s still unresolved situation, Capital Jews are given yet another day to mop up. In fairness, the King does far more that agree, and by royal edict the Capital Battle rages for on another day. This battle too meets great success, and it culminates in another symbolic hanging. Might this additional eerily foreshadow futuristic destruction of evil too? Decoding these verses does indeed enable us to better appreciate the scope and breadth of the Divine Deliverance we experienced. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

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 this battle also meets success culminating in the critically symbolic and iconic Hanging of Haman’s Sons on common gallows! In this episode we discover why the Fighting in the Capital City was so fraught, as we learn all about the Ground Zero of Hamanite Haters. Even in this most dangerous urban battleground, justice was swiftly meted out. In revealing the many unarticulated details about this most important theater of war the miracle the Jewish People experienced emerges in full colour and high definition! Decoding these verses does indeed enable us to better appreciate the scope and breadth of the Divine Deliverance we experienced. A fascinating mystical overview of the story are included. An unexpected Kabbalistic reading of evil's violent end can provide deeply personal lessons for life. Profound ideas that can serve to stimulate meaningful character and spiritual betterment. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

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 emphasis of the idea that it comprised key ingredients in the Jewish people’s total pivot. Yet, the big question may be asked was it really all about him? In shining a bright new light on the mechanics of the remarkable transformation, the Jewish People experienced, a whole new picture begins to emerge. It will clarify how and why we were able to transcend endemic weakness, instead moving far beyond being on the defensive. Mordechai's remarkable power empowered us to remarkably rise to a position of profound power. Now we assumed the offense and forcefully destroyed hateful enemies -- in full reciprocity! Decoding these verses reveals the extent of the Divine Deliverance we experienced. Our careful and insightful analysis of the biblical text will yield many fascinating details that will demonstrate how just how remarkable this turnabout really was. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

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 annihilation – they rose-up, organized and avenged themselves. Surprisingly, their controversial and aggressive self defensive offence was acclaimed and even aided by Persia's political leadership and armed forces. Yet, the biblical narration of how "We the Jewish People Rose Up" to overcome our adversaries in ancient Persia is filled with nuance and rife with hints of many acts of Divine Deliverance. Our careful and insightful study will demonstrate how it was really G-d, not our courage that saved the day. Our analysis of the carefully worded biblical text will yield many fascinating details of just how wondrous our salvation was. The insightful information can and should leave us with a newfound appreciation of what we celebrate on Purim. It may also serve to rarify our perspective on challenging times, fortify our faith in Hashem and Jewish eternity and inspire us to reach for greater heights in life! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

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!

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Forty-One Chapter 8, Part 3 Express Letters of Transformation. Delivered by Royal Courier: On Horseback, Speeding Camels and/or Swift Stallions and Mules!

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Forty Chapter 8, Part 2 A New Deal leads to Lessons in Letter Writing. Mobilizing the Persian Pony Express. Saving Lives, Not Money!

Megillat Esther- The Megillah in Depth, Part Thirty Nine ’ Chapter 8, Part 1 Estate Appropriation. Rabbi Receives Royal Ring, and Palace Grounds. Queen Induces New National Legislation!

Megillat Esther - The Megillah in Depth, Part Thirty Eight Chapter 7, Part 3 Who actually sent Haman to the Gallows? Was it a secret Jew, Foe turned Friend or an Angel from Heaven. The entire climax is reframed as shocking secrets are revealed!