Learn about the mitzvah of eating, drinking, and rejoicing, and how these everyday activities become extraordinary acts of devotion. From a radio show on CHIN FM Radio, Toronto. 

This in-depth Gemara study of Masechet Megillah focuses on observances connected to the rabbinically ordained joyous festival of Purim. This mini-series opens with a discussion about its observances when a Leap Year includes two months of Adar. A fascinating analysis of this will eventually lead us into the iconic Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot, the Holiday Gifting of Edibles to One Another! _____________________________________ Tractate Megillah, Chapter One, Page 6b - 7a. Episode Three: "SCRIPTED IN THE STARS" As elaborated on in the previous two Episodes, our unique Jewish system of calendric calibration resolves the discrepancy left by 12 lunar months and the solar seasonal year by intercalating an extra [month of] Adar. This is what we call a Leap Year. Our Torah calendar governs many religious observances and rituals, and the extra month of Adar raises a slew of Halachic questions to be solved from Ritual Readings to Holiday Gift Giving. In our previous segment we were introduced to differing schools of Torah on the subjects at hand. Here, in part three of the mini-series, we seek to the identify the sources and jurisprudence for the variances in these Halachik approaches. As it fascinatingly turns out, a precise analysis of the Script in the Scroll of Esther can be understood in both directions! Our Sages will therefore augment that very verse with independently established Torah truisms to arrive at very different conclusions. All of these discussions are, of course, borne of our Jewish Calendar and are directly linked to the Zodiacal Heavenly orbits!

This in-depth Gemara study of Masechet Megillah focuses on observances connected to the rabbinically ordained joyous festival of Purim. This mini-series will open with a discussion about its observances when a Leap Year includes two months of Adar. A fascinating analysis of this will eventually lead us into the iconic Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot, the Holiday Gifting of Edibles to One Another! _____________________________________ Tractate Megillah, Chapter One, Page 6b. Episode Two: "RIGHT TO READ" As we learnt at length in Part One, our Jewish calendar requires a unique system of calendric calibration to balance the Lunar Months with Seasonal Years. Resolution is found in a Leap Year in which a 13th Month is added. This induces years that are pregnant with an extra month of Adar, which naturally births a litter of related Halachic questions about Public Torah Readings, far beyond solving the Mystery of the Megillah. Part Two of this mini-series on Purim observances probes the matter to deliver pragmatic and viable resolution!

This in-depth Gemara study of Masechet Megillah focuses on observances connected to the rabbinically ordained festival of Purim. This mini-series will open with its observance when a Leap Year includes two months of Adar. A fascinating analysis of this will eventually lead us into the iconic Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot, the Holiday Gifting of Edibles to One Another! _____________________________________ Tractate Megillah, Chapter One, Page 6b. Episode One: "LEAP YEAR" Our Jewish calendar – comprised of Lunar Months, and Seasonal Years – requires scheduling calibration and calendric alignment. Adar is the final month in the cycle, so when a 13th Month is added, it’s a second Adar. As Adar is the month in which we celebrate Purim, part one of this Mishloach Manot mini-series opens with an analysis of how the time engineering creates a Halachik question about the Public Reading of the Scroll of Esther. Because typically the observance of Purim is in the twelfth month, we are forced to ask: will the real Adar to please rise!

REDEMPTION SONGS ~ SCROLL OF ESTHER is an in-depth study series of the actual biblical verses comprising Megillat Esther that contains the canonical story of Purim. ___________________________________ Chapter Nine, Part Thirteen entitled: PERSIAN VERSION continues to clarify the opening thrust of the 26th verse of the chapter: why it's called Purim. This new offering opens with a brief review of the climax of the previous Episode: After the literal explanations for this holiday being named for the [random] mechanism used to plot Genocide left us wanting, we turned to mystical, spiritual teachings of Torah to paint a rich new picture of Purim. In this new segment we will move to highlight hues and sharpen resolution. This will enable us to successfully segue into developing a wider panoramic view. Yet, notwithstanding the newfound clarity, one BIG question still lingers: why "Purim" meaning "Lots" in Persian instead of the Hebrew word "Goralot?!" Once again, we will begin with the technical before moving on into a deeper spiritual perspective. The new view will endow us a profound appreciation of why in heaven a Jewish/Hebrew Holiday purposely received a Foreign Name! This Thirteenth Episode of Chapter Nine comprises the fifty-sixth consecutive offering of an ongoing, in-depth discovery series on the biblical Scroll of Esther.

REDEMPTION SONGS ~ SCROLL OF ESTHER is an in-depth study series of the actual biblical verses comprising Megillat Esther that contains the canonical story of Purim. ___________________________________ Chapter Nine, Part Twelve entitled: RANDOM ENCOUNTERS clarifies the first half of verse 26 with a laser focus on the Royal Rhyme and Reason they decided to call it Purim! Naming this Holiday goes far beyond the Lots thrown for date determination. The Random element of this unique Cause and Effect lead us to another major Jewish Holiday so kindred in nature yet observed in exactly the opposite fashion. Much like every proper biblical study; it's the subtleties in the script that enable us to appreciate the historic and spiritual consequences of this entire saga. This fascinating Twelfth Episode of Chapter Nine comprises the fifty-fifth consecutive offering of an ongoing, in-depth discovery series on the biblical Scroll of Esther.

REDEMPTION SONGS ~ SCROLL OF ESTHER is an in-depth study series of the actual biblical verses comprising Megillat Esther that contains the canonical story of Purim. -------------------------------------------------------- Continuing Chapter Nine, Part Eleven entitled: BOOMERANG documents the Queen's Entry into the Fray, the King's Written Word that serves to enforce a whole new reality of Law and Order, or a royal return in the form of a full 360% Back Atcha! When the King was finally did confronted with [his moment of] truth, targets were transposing. The edict -- spoken, scripted and sealed -- unraveled the meticulously woven web of evil and the entire plot turned inside out! He who came to murder was killed instead, and the original Pur-plan-persecution of Jewish genocide royally rebounded, with the story ending in a radically different way. Not by rebellion or defiance -- but rather in full keeping with, and by the Letter of the Law, the Architect of Annihilation is himself Annihilated. Most remarkably, without the scroll laying it out in sequence the entire miracle wouldn't even be noticed! The Eleventh Episode of the Ninth Chapter has been dedicated by Marty and Gail Bergman in loving memory of Gail's late father, Eliyahu ben Avraham Yitzchak. This exceptionally insightful segment comprises the fifty-fourth consecutive offering of an ongoing, in-depth discovery series on the biblical Scroll of Esther.

REDEMPTION SONGS ~ SCROLL OF ESTHER is an in-depth study series of the actual biblical verses comprising Megillat Esther that contains the canonical story of Purim. -------------------------------------------------------- Continuing Chapter Nine, Part Ten entitled: THE HATRED provides the reasoning for the rise of Purim's' prominence and posterity. Delineating the deep and demonic roots of hate we will begin to understand why this unique Holiday came to be, and its seemingly oversized place in Torah-true Judaism. It is here, with the singular focus on Haman, the archenemy of the Nation of Israel, and how he plotted Jewish Genocide that we are enabled to fully appreciate how the commemoration evolved into such a radiant time on the Jewish calendar! By scrolling the history of antisemitic hate, the true motive of Haman's intended mass-murder is revealed. Here, the Megillah presents pre-Purim persecution as an ugly manifestation of in-bred, age-old antisemitism -- not a personal score-settling grudge. Hear how the Purim Plot rivaled and even exceeded Pharaonic Final Solution as these devious decrees were designed to incrementally terrorize, demoralize, devastate to death and then ultimately annihilate the entire Jewish population! This tenth Episode of chapter nine comprises the fifty-third consecutive offering of an ongoing, in-depth discovery series on the biblical Scroll of Esther.

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!

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.

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 final segment of Perek Megillah n'Kra'as, we carefully calculation and reconcile the detailed timelines in Jacob’s journey. As a discrepancy is revealed, a historic message shines forth and drives the point home with devastating accuracy! This will complete the thesis on what pursuit and accomplishment is Jewishly considered to be the most virtuous and important of all! Episode 55 of this continuing Talmud study-series of Masechet Megillah, ends our series on the second half of the first chapter.

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?

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 pursuit and accomplishment is Jewishly considered to be the most virtuous and important! Ultimately, this comes back to reframe our perspective on Mordechai HaYehudi's unusual style of leadership and enables us to understand why not everybody appreciated his unparalleled synergy of politics, scholarship, and saintly stewardship!

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.

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 context and background to enable a fuller appreciation of the unique, and unparalleled historic contribution of Queen Esther. Delving into the detailed description of Mordechai HaYehudi's unusual leadership, we'll learn why some didn’t fully appreciate the way he wove politics, scholarship, and saintly stewardship of the Jewish people together! This Episode is number 53 in a continuing Talmud study-series of Masechet Megillah, Chapter One.

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

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

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 sacred inscription. How Words of Peace and Truth must be Transcribed and Told from a Scroll to fulfill obligations! 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

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 Simple Matter! More details about the unusual print prose employed conveys multiple messages in both written and audible Megillah media. This inglorious list of villains follows a unique code of written symmetry, striking some pretty awful chords. We'll also learn how this scriptural sonnet of poetic justice was designed to ensure finality, ensuring that this evil never rear its ugly head again! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan