Purim – I Am and I Don’t Think
By Rabbi Dovid Markel The service of Purim is the reverse of Rene Descartes’ statement “I think therefore I am.” On Purim, we are to be at a point of “Ad dlo yada” –...
Category: Purim
Seize The Moment
When Esther was contemplating whether or not to approach King Achashveirosh on behalf of her people, Morderchai told her (Esther 4:14) that if she does not go before him, “relief and rescue will arise...
Don’t Forget Yourself
The Talmud (Pesachim 68b) states, “R. Yosef said: All agree that on Purim we require ‘for you’ too. What is the reason? Days of feasting and gladness is written in connection therewith.” Though the...
Purim and Love
By: Rabbi Shlomo Ezagui In many books, it tells us that there is a deep connection between the Holiday of Yom Kippur – the day of Atonement and Purim – this Sunday March 20, 2011....
The Power of Women
By: Rabbi Shlomo Ezagui Our sages tell us, “A man must love his wife at least as much as himself, but honor her more than himself.” “A man should eat and drink for himself,...
A Holy Lottery
By: Rabbi Shlomo Ezagui The jolly holiday of Purim on the 14th of Adar shares something very special with the holiest day on the Jewish calendar – Yom KiPurim, to the point, that our...
Birthdays, Purim and Jewish Luck
While there are certainly days that we feel we are luckier than others, is that luck something real? This essay explores Judaism’s position on luck, using the paradigm of birthdays and the holiday of Purim.
Purim and Addiction
Purim is the perfect time of year to work on addiction.
Too Much Drinking On Purim?
By Rabbi Dovid Markel Dear Rabbi, Over the years, I have witnessed my share of Purim merriments. While it is a beautiful holiday in so many aspects and there is often a palpable...
Tuning in to Purim
Every Jewish holiday has a message that should be inculcated for the rest of the year. Do you know what the message of Purim is?
