Purim With Rabbi Kaplan Rabbi Mendel 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!

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
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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.