Living Torah Archives

This special presentation highlights scenes of Purim farbrengens with the Rebbe throughout the years.

At the height of danger, with Haman’s decree of annihilation hanging over the heads of the Jewish people, their spiritual leader, Mordechai, sought some all-important counsel. He did not turn to the thought leaders or political pundits of the time; he went to some innocent Jewish children. When he heard their certainty that G-d would save them, he knew all would be well.

When Haman drew lots to choose a month to annihilate the Jews, he was thrilled when it fell on the month of Adar, since 7 Adar is the day of Moses’ passing. Little did Haman know that it was also the day of Moses’ birth, and a source of strength for the Jewish people – as a nation, and as individuals.

During a lively Purim Farbrengen, Chassidim sing a joyous Niggun from the opening verse of the Megillah.

During a Farbrengen celebrating Purim in 1980, the Rebbe leads Chasidim in some lively and spirited Nigunim.

Chassidism requires us to fulfil our G-dly mission proudly regardless of how it might affect our own growth. In fact, spreading G-dliness to those around us will most certainly impact us positively as well. It’s our responsibility to do what is required of us to transform the world positively. As for the sense conceit that it can possibly impart in us along the way, that can always be rectified through the fire of Torah and mitzvos.

The Baal Shem Tov explains the Talmudic statement, “One who reads the Megilah backwards, does not fulfill his obligation.” He interprets “backwards” to mean that one can read the Megilah following all the laws, with all the proper intentions, but at the same time, he might think “This is ‘backwards,’ it’s irrelevant.

The Megillah relates that everyone, from young to old, was included in Haman’s decree. Similarly, the Evil Inclination, also wants to, G-d forbid, influence the Jewish people, starting with Jewish children, to weaken their strength and pride.

Judaism puts great emphasis on maintaining a frame of mind conducive to serving G-d. It’s odd then, that we’re taught to get drunk on Purim - even to a point of not be able to distinguish between Haman and Mordechai!

The festival of Purim has a special connection to young children.

Rabbi Yaakov Roth is an educator and teacher Miami, Florida. From time to time, he would have his young students send letters to the Rebbe. The Rebbe’s thoughtful responses were touching and inspiring. (Early 1970s)

Unique glimpses of a Purim farbrengen from a newly acquired silent film, with supplementary audio from the same event.

The names of the Jewish festivals and other dates on the Jewish calendar are all in Hebrew, the Holy Tongue. There is, however, one exception: The festival of Purim.

The Book of Esther relates that when King Achashverosh made a great feast, he provided every guest with whatever food and drink they desired.

Rabbi Yoel Kahn, a leading authority on Chabad Chasidic thought, recalls being present at a Purim farbrengen in 770 when the Rebbe told a very unusual story. But even more unusual, were the events which unfolded soon after. (1953)

A deeper look at the heroine of the Purim story, whose very name means “hidden” in Hebrew.

What makes Purim unique from all other Jewish holidays?

The Megillah recounts how Haman’s evil decree was reversed. Here is how it happened.

If a person has been blessed by G-d with the talent and ability to write a book, no matter what the book’s storyline is, it must communicate to the reader the awareness that “There is a Master of this palace” – that Someone is in charge of this turbulent world.

There are some who believe that by hiding their Jewishness they will be protected from anti-Semitism. The Megillah teaches us a lesson: When Haman persuaded King Achashverosh to issue the decree against the Jewish people, he argued that...

Rabbi Shmuel Chefer, director of the Beis Rivkah Teachers’ Seminary in Kfar Chabad, Israel, recounts a heartwarming story about what it truly means to be “close” to the Rebbe (1968).

The Midrash gives a parable for the story of Haman’s plot against the Jews...

The Midrash relates that when Mordechai learned of Haman’s wicked plot, he immediately gathered 22,000 Jewish children to study Torah with them. This caused a commotion on High, eliciting Divine mercy.

Morning Prayers on Purim at the Rebbe’s home on President Street.

With electrifying energy, the Rebbe leads the Chassidim in a lively Niggun.

How Purim emphasizes the feminine aspect of Torah, which was missing until then.

"On that night the king's sleep was disturbed…" Taken literally this verse refers to King Achashverosh. But the Midrash explains a deeper dimension: "The sleep of the King of the universe was disturbed" - G-d Himself "woke up."

An address to children: Thousands of years ago there lived the wicked Haman, who wanted to do bad to the Jewish People. But they were not afraid, and they remained loyal to Judaism, to Mordechai and Esther, and to their teachers who showed them how a Jew should live his daily life. What connection does Haman have to a Jewish child today?

Mordechai and Esther are the heroes of Purim, yet the Megillah is named only after Esther. And the initiative that the Megillah be included among the books of the Bible came specifically from Esther. Why is Esther given the spotlight, when her success depended on Mordechai’s plan?

Why does the Megillah describe the extravagance of Achashveirosh’s feast in such great detail, which is irrelevant to the miracles or themes of Purim?

By creating Adam alone, G-d teaches us that every individual is like a whole world. But this is only half the story. When the Torah requires a donation from every single Jew to connect us all as one to the work of the Holy Temple, it tells each to bring precisely a half-Shekel.