Living Torah Archives

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.

Our small Jewish nation, dispersed among many, sometimes seems too small to matter to the rest of the world's peoples. Occasionally, it may even feel appropriate to try blending in; to compromise on our own unique traditions and blend in with those who surround us.

Chasidim sing the lively niggun, Yifrach Beyamav, during a Purim farbrengen.

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

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