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The Megillah In Depth
Studying the Book of Esther
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The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 4, Part 1
The plot thickened as news of Haman’s secret final solution leaked, and consequently plunged all the Jewish citizens of the vast Persian Empire into deep mourning and depression. Discover how Mordechai’s shocking response woke up a comatose nation. Learn the key insight embedded in a fascinating Midrash involving Mordechai, Moses and Elijah the prophet.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 4, Part 2
Discover what happened behind the scenes as the Queen of Persia, (a clandestine Jewess originally called Hadassah, who now goes by the name Esther) goes into a bizarre “toxic shock” after hearing about Mordechai’s – the Chief Rabbi – seeming nervous breakdown. Discover the details of her shocking response to the “public rabbinic disrobement” that caused a huge kerfuffle amidst the Jewish population.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 4, Part 3
How did Persia's Chief Rabbi manage to tell everything to the Queen like it was—conveying the severity of the impending dreadful danger without causing a stir? This class reveals fascinating details of his shocking exposé on the state-sponsored genocidal plan that targeted the entire Jewish population. Discover the subtleties in one of the most incredible Biblical conversations, as you realize how his words are shockingly relevant until our very day and age!
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 4, Part 4
This class reveals the behind-the-scenes story about the communications between Queen Esther and her esteemed cousin Mordechai HaTzaddik. Why wasn’t Esther willing to cooperate? How did Mordechai’s razor-sharp rhetoric turn her around? Linguistic layers are peeled away and subtleties are uncovered in one of the most monumental Biblical conversations ever recorded, that contains a priceless life’s message for every one of us today.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 4, Part 5
Queen Esther clandestinely responds to Mordechai's demands. Ultimately, she agrees to risk everything, and violate all legal protocol to attempt to assist her brethren from the genocidal plot that's been hatched. But first she demands that all of Shushan's Jews rally together and abstain from food and drink for three days. She and her royal entourage will behave in kindred fashion. But whom will the starving save? Discover the incredible profound ideas behind this extraordinary demand of self-mortification, and learn why it was an absolute necessity!
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 4, Part 6
Discover the incredible Purim subplot story: going Seder-less in Shushan! Did you know that the fast ordained by Queen Esther displaced Passover, and possibly passed over the traditional Pesach observances, including eating Matzah, Maror, and drinking the 4 cups of wine? Learn all about the potent power of public prayer—if only true unity can prevail. Finally see how three remarkable days of spiritual rehabilitation changed the course of Jewish history forever; as desperate times that called for desperate measures, ultimately succeeded!
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 5, Part 1
The opening verse of the fifth chapter of Megillat Esther tells the dramatic story of the mystery queen’s moment of truth. Driven by unwavering faith in G-d, and strengthened by unshakable resolve to carry out her fateful mission, Queen Esther is cloaked by a powerful spirit of holiness as she prayerfully violates the law and approaches the king.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 5, Part 2
The terrifying faceoff climaxes as Esther prayerfully cries out to G-d from the bottom of her heart; seeing her life flash before her eyes. Achashverosh is visibly infuriated; the executioners move in for the kill… Suddenly, a shockingly dramatic reversal ensues; the King miraculously extends his royal scepter graciously welcoming his stricken Queen, and showers her with loving care and consideration. This class reveals how this is actually the pivotal moment in which the surprising Purim story turnabout actually begins!
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 5, Part 3
Although Esther had flagrantly disobeyed and consequently infuriated him, the thin-skinned, easily angered King was miraculously overcome with tenderness. Lovingly, he offers up to “half the kingdom” to fulfil her desires. Perplexingly, the mission-driven queen seems to have lost her direction, as she strangely asked for nothing but his, and the hate-filled Prime Minister Haman’s attendance at an intimate dinner party! This eye-opening class takes us behind the scenes; introducing us to the brilliant, shrewdly engineered and faith-filled strategies of the Purim heroine.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 5, Part 4
As the fine wine flows, the King relaxes in the exclusive company of his Prime Minister and Queen. Realizing that she wouldn’t risk her life for a banquet, he repeats his inquiry – seeking insight into the real nature of her wishes. Yet the reticent Queen still doesn't make the ask; instead requesting their presence at a second intimate banquet – assuring the Monarch that it would climax with her response. Why did the Purim heroine continue to delay? Discover the answer to this, and many other perplexing elements of this section of the shrouded miraculous narrative.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 5, Part 5
Thrilled with the special private royal feast he just attended, Haman finally achieves inner satisfaction at achieving the apex of success. But his fanatical anti-Semitism robs him of his happiness. Seeing the Jew Mordechai placidly occupying his parliamentary position fills him with murderous rage. Restraining his inner fury and emotional angst, world Jewry's arch enemy heads home to his loved ones; seeking comfort and counsel in achieving an immediate final solution to the vexing problem of the Persian Chief Rabbi's very existence.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 5, Part 6
Seeking his wife’s sage, sensitive advice, Haman recounts his many achievements and personal triumphs, emphasising that none of it has any value as long as Persia’s most famous Jew exists – the immediate elimination of the impudent Jewish leader is absolutely necessary. The question is how? Deeply superstitious and wickedly wise, Haman’s diabolically conniving monster-mate Zerersh strategically analyzes the possibilities, reaching the conclusion that there is only one viable final solution – Mordechai must hang from a towering gallows by morning. A detailed plan is hatched; immediate action ensues as zero hour approaches.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 6, Part 1
It’s the turning point in the Purim story as the fortunes of Mordechai and Haman are about to reverse and the miracle begins to rush forward towards its climax! On that fateful night in the capital of the Persian Empire insomniacs are on the prowl. Discover the story behind the story of the King’s sleep suddenly and inexplicably disturbed. The status quo – both in Heaven and on Earth are profoundly shaken and a seismic shift unfolds. Is an open miracle unfolding; or is this predictable political science? Listen in as a suspicious King curiously chooses to have the country’s chronicles read aloud; and the plot thickens!
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 6, Part 2
To cure his insomnia, the sleep-deprived monarch naturally asks for the Royal Chronicles to be read aloud – but this is no ordinary night and nothing is quite as it seems. The wheel of Haman’s political fortune has already swung, yet he knows nothing of it. Although miraculous happenings contribute to the Heavenly orchestrated reversal, the miracle of Purim remains firmly ensconced in nature. With the Purim paradigm in full play, employing classic concealment the King of all Kings ordains that an earthly King’s desire to reward a Jewish Parliamentarian causes a hateful Prime Minister’s dramatic downfall and everything is turned upside down!
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 6, Part 3
The miraculous events of the dramatic “night of transformation” begin to accelerate. Following suspicion of Haman colluding with his queen to depose of him, Haman arrives at an unearthly hour serving to intensify the king’s paranoid delusions. Haman, usually cold and calculated lets his emotions get the better of him; driven by hatred, he foolishly overreaches. The cunning king lays a trap as he puts his Prime Minister to a test. In a haze of delusional self-importance, Haman, yet again colossally miscalculates – this time, unwittingly, triggering his own humiliating downfall.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 6, Part 4
The divinely designed drama continues to unfold in stunning speed. The political landscape rapidly shifts; as now the conspiracy-theorist Monarch decides it's time to humiliate his formally trusted and beloved, anti-Semitic Prime Minister. “Quickly do everything you propose for Mordechai, my court Jew” he forcefully commands. Our oral tradition attests to the hateful Haman’s desperate attempts to reverse direction, yet with every suggestion, his position worsens. Elucidated with a wide array of colourful teachings, we conclude with a remarkable mystical insight!
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 6, Part 5
Narrating the Prime Minister’s carrying out the unambiguous orders he received, this verse reads straightforwardly – devoid of encoded nuance, and unadorned by copious commentary or annotation. Yet, per sacred tradition the dramatic details were recorded. Dignity demolished, Haman gut wrenchingly does the king's bidding. Falling from his high office, he’s swiftly devolved into a common bathing attendant and barber! And just as things couldn't get worse, his daughter unwittingly gave him a nasty surprise; and then committed suicide upon realizing her error!
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 6, Part 6
In the aftermath of the Royal Parade where Persia’s leading anti-Semite, was forced to give glory to kingdom’s Chief Rabbi; we are told about Mordechai and Haman’s subsequent behaviour. The Sage resumes his penitential fasting and contrition, while the devastated Prime Minister despondently slinks home in the self-imposed anonymity covered in filth and shame! Filled with subtleties and nuanced prose, this deceptively simple verse is laden with deep meaning, profound insight and powerful lessons that we can use in our day and age!
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 6, Part 7
Having suffered totally unpredicted devastating humiliation, Haman seeks counsel and comfort from his wife and supporters. Dispassionately, the wiser amongst them predicts a continued downward spiral; suggesting a re-calibration of strategy – yet blinded by hate, the Prime Minister cannot see the sobering new political landscape emerging. By remarkable stroke of Divine Providence, before the hater-in-chief might internalize the swiftly changing horizon, and strategize accordingly – he was rushed to the Queen’s feast, this time in squalor and total disarray!
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 7, Part 1
As the King and Haman arrive at the second feast, a foul mood pervades. The wine flows, alcohol providing temporary respite and relief, as the queen sips gingerly to maintain careful control as she sets the stage for the climatic power play that’ll trigger Haman’s final downfall! Weaving historical dates, fascinating parallels, and commemorative observances, this presentation details just how miraculous the dynamically unfolding situation really was. Learning the fuller background helps us appreciate how it was all orchestrated from Above!
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 7, Part 2
As zero hour arrives, Esther lifts her eyes to petition Heaven and then, authoritatively and with great emotion, addresses Achashvairosh with piercing words. Tactfully, she dramatically pleads for her own life, only afterwards petitioning the King to spare her nation. Now self-identifying herself as Jewish – she also reveals royal pedigree. Demonstrating that the adversary cares not for the King’s welfare, as slavery would have been far more profitable, Esther brilliantly maneuvers; and without confronting the King, devastatingly turns the tables on Haman.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 9, Part 1
The opening of chapter nine, highlights the remarkable turnaround in the miraculous deliverance from murderous enemies in ancient Persia. Learn fascinating details of just how wondrous our salvation was when the Jewish People rose up to overcome our adversaries.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 9, Part 2
In this class, we learn more about the remarkable power of Persia’s brand-new pious Prime Minister. Mordechai's remarkable power empowered us to rise to a position of profound power. Beyond being on the defensive, now we assumed the offense and forcefully destroyed hateful enemies – in full reciprocity!
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 9, Part 3
The miraculous turnabout of events, enabled the Jewish People to mount a vigorous campaign of defensive measures across the massive 127 province empire. The offensive was met with surprisingly stunning successful. The Megillah's narrative now zeroes in on the country's capital, Shushan, where some of the fiercest fighting ensued. In the end, this battle also meets success, culminating in the iconic hanging of Haman’s sons. In this class, we discover why the fighting in the capital city was so fraught, as we learn all about the ground zero of Hamanite Haters.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 9, Part 4
After the Jewish defenders achieve full victory across the Persian Empire, 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. At the Queen’s behest, and in view of Shushan’s still unresolved situation, Jews in the capital are given yet another day to stand up to their enemies. This battle too meets great success, and it culminates in another symbolic hanging. Might this eerily foreshadow futuristic destruction of evil too?
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 9, Part 5
The Jewish People successfully defend themselves against their mortal enemies. On the morrow of fierce fighting and the miraculous deliverance, the Jews celebrated. Yet in Shushan, the battles lasted longer. Consequently, their delayed deliverance meant a delayed celebration. Ultimately, it’s all comprised of the same joy. We also discover how walls will heretofore divide festivities.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 9, Part 6
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 was so obviously miraculous; the nation erupted in celebratory thanksgiving to Hashem. Discover how Purim became the most joyous day annually observed on the Jewish calendar.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 9, Part 7
This class provides an anatomy of the Purim holiday by exploring it's defining observances. We previously elaborated on how Purim was penned into posterity and the unique thesis of transformation that incorporates not only the festive days, but rather the entire month. This will naturally lead us into an appreciation of why it's observed in so a unique and unusual 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.
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 9, Part 8
In this class 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, all other formal holiday celebrations pointedly shy away from it. This leaves us with the burning question: what does wine-induced intoxication have to do with holiness?
The Megillah in Depth, Chapter 9, Part 9
Learn the story of how Purim became a holiday. After detailing the unique observance of the miraculous transformation, the Megillah 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 how the timely inspiration was translated into lasting commitment. This will lead us to discover the deeper cosmic messages secretly encoded into the way Purim festivities achieve eternity!
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