When writing Megillas Esther, what lesson were Mordechai and Esther trying to teach us when they borrowed an obscure phrase from the Torah? View this video directly on VIMEO
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One of the most peculiar laws of Purim is the obligation to drink wine, and even become intoxicated. As the Talmud states, “A person is obligated to become inebriated on Purim, until he does not know the difference between ‘Blessed is Mordechai and cursed is Haman.’ Excessive drinking is frowned upon by Jewish law, yet here it appears that the law specifically advocates drinking. Clearly, a person may not become ...
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The Purim story begins about 900 years after the Exodus from Egypt. The Jews had been living in Israel continually, since they first entered with Joshua. For 410 years, Shlomo Hamelech’s Bais HaMikdash in Jerusalem had been the focal point of Jewish spiritual and national life in Israel. The first major tragedy that the Jews of this era experienced was the division of the country into the northern kingdom of ...
Read MoreFrom a goblet stored in the British Museum to a "lot" stored in Yale University to the famous "Purim Duck" stored in the Becher home, Rabbi Becher brings 5 artifacts that tell the Purim story. View this video directly on Vimeo.
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One of the most peculiar laws of Purim is the obligation to drink wine, and even become intoxicated. As the Talmud states, “A person is obligated to become inebriated on Purim, until he does not know the difference between ‘Blessed is Mordechai and cursed is Haman.’” Excessive drinking is frowned upon by Jewish law, yet here it appears that the law specifically advocates drinking. Clearly, a person may not become ...
Read MoreWhy do funny things make us happy? Rabbi Becher uses the Gemora and Groucho Marx to try to find the answer. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Read MoreA little wine on Purim can set the mood and bring about camaraderie amongst fellow Jews. View this video directly on VIMEO
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We will be celebrating the festival of Purim very soon, so I would like to give you an overview of the history, background and significance of this festival. The Purim story begins about 900 years after the Exodus from Egypt. The Jews had been living in Israel continually, since they first entered with Joshua. For 410 years, King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem had been the focal point of Jewish spiritual ...
Read MoreWhy do we read the names of the ten sons of Haman in one breath? View this video directly on Vimeo
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Laws and Customs of Purim (From Gateway to Judaism, Mordechai Becher, Mesorah-Artscroll) Purim is preceded by the Fast of Esther on the 13th of the Hebrew month of Adar (usually corresponding to late February or early March). The fast begins at dawn and ends at night. It commemorates the fact that Queen Esther and the Jews of her city fasted before she entered the king’s chambers to ask him for ...
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