For some reason, people think that drinking is acceptable at certain times, such as on Simchas Torah, at a Shalom Zochor, at a wedding, and on Purim. Many people become intoxicated by drinking wine or whiskey on Purim. Is there...
One of the mitzvos of Purim is giving food to a friend. The verse says that Purim is a day of “u-mishlo’ach manos ish le- re’ehu, sending food a man to his friend” (Esther 9:22). The Sages see...
The Tikkunei Zohar makes the astounding statement, “Kippurim kaPurim – The Day of Atonement is like Purim. The Arizal elaborates: Yom Kippurim, the holiest day of the year is k’Purim, like Purim.” Since we always compare the smaller to...
Of all the twenty-four books of Tanach, Megilas Esther is the most enigmatic. One must be a Biblical cryptographer in order to discover the many secrets lurking under the surface of the thrilling Esther story. This is because...
Mishehnichnas Adar, marbim b’simcha. When the month of Adar arrives, we increase our simcha. Does the onset of Adar being instantaneous happiness? Magical joy? Does Adar wash away all our pain and sorrow, promising to dissolve...
DEALING WITH THE TENSION OF THE HUMAN PERSONALITY Linking the apron and the breastplate There is an intriguing mitzvah (commandment) recorded in this week’s Torah portion: “And they shall bind the choshen (breastplate) by its rings to the rings of the...
When the Founding Fathers included the pursuit of happiness as an American right and entitlement, it is almost as if they conceded that happiness can be pursued, but it is unlikely to ever be attained. If you look...
During a press conference at the White House, a reporter posed a pointed question to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: “Mr. President, why don’t you wear a suit? You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I’m hoping you can help me. I have been friends with this guy for the past few years. We get along well and I have strong feelings...
The Mitzvah One is obligated to send mishloach manos on Purim to his friend etc. This mitzvah was introduced during the time of Mordechai and Esther and is considered a divrei kabbalah mitzvah and not a d’oraisa. There are two basic...