Living Torah Archives

Chassidim sing a lively Chasidic nigun during a Purim farbrengen.

Chasidim sing a lively Chasidic Nigun during a spirited Farbrengen celebrating Purim.

The Rebbe vocally and repeatedly called for every individual to utilize his or her unique talents and abilities to help promote a spirit of G-dliness in the world.

When king Achashverosh gave permission to the Jews fight off their enemies, he allowed an extra day for those in Shushan. The day after Purim, called Shushan Purim, is celebrated to mark this special phenomenon. In a sense this is more than just an historical commemoration; it celebrates the ability in general, to add to good in a meaningful way.

During a lively Purim farbrengen, the Rebbe enthusiastically encourages the singing of “Hop Kazzak” - a nigun attributed to the “Shpoleh Zeida”.

He spoke about the imperative to provide Jewish children with an authentic Torah education, even under communist rule.

What makes Purim unique from all other Jewish holidays?

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.

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?

A traditional song of the Bukharian Jews. The stanzas are lead by Rabbi Refoel Chudidaitov, a ninety-nine year old Bukharian Jew, and all join in to sing the chorus: “Peace to you, peace to your home, peace to all of yours.”

The Rebbe distributes L’chaim at a Purim Farbrengen.

“And it was in the days of Achashverosh, the Achashverosh who ruled from Hodu to Kush, one hundred and twenty seven lands.” (Esther 1:1)