Post date: Mar 03, 2014 5:5:22 AM
Gutten Rosh Chodesh Adar Sheini!
Purim 5774/2014 is almost upon us, so it’s time to start preparing with some Shtickelach of Torah related to Megilas Esther and the holiday of Purim!
As I have mentioned previously, the Divrei Torah are generally not my own. I have culled them from a few sources, most notably from the fabulous Sefer “Inside Purim” by Rabbi Aryeh Pinchas Strickoff. The Vorts are sent with the intention of enhancing your days leading up to Purim, in the spirit of Mishenichnas Adar, Marbim Besimcha (once Adar is upon us, we increase our joy). I hope that you find them intriguing or provoking enough that you also delve into the Megilah in search of the hidden truth that’s just waiting to be uncovered and shared with others. (If you find something fascinating, why not include it in your Shalach Manos?) Keep in mind that there are Shiv’im Panim LaTorah (seventy faces of the Torah). So while some individual Vorts might seem at odds with each other, as long as each one has a basis, they should all be embraced and cherished on their own as part of the Torah of truth.
I wish everyone a happy Adar Sheini, and without further ado, let’s begin!!
“Paras uMadai”
Paras and Madai
(1:3)
The letters of the names Paras and Madai (Pei, Reish, Samech and Mem, Daled, Yud) when rearranged spell “Daled Sefarim” (four books).
The Chassam Sofer tells us that the miracle of Purim and its establishment as an eternal holiday came about in the empire of “Paras and Madai” through the dissemination of 4 letters (or books):
1) “Lihiyos kol ish soreir biveiso” (1:22) - That each man must rule in his own home.
2) “Lihashmid laharog uli’abeid” (3:13) - The decree to wipe out the Jews.
3) “Lihiyos haYehudim asidim l’yom hazeh lihinakeim mei’oyveihem” (8:13) - The proclamation from Esther and Mordechai allowing the Jews to defend themselves and fight back against their attackers.
4) “Likayeim es yimei hapurim ha’eileh” (9:31) - The establishment of the holiday of Purim.
[Inside Purim, p.263]