Rabbi Shay Tahan

During President Trump's address to Congress last week, there was a notable moment where he said that Democrats were unlikely to applaud his statements no matter what he did—even if he found a cure to save the entire world, they would not stand or show any type of support. Throughout his 100-minute speech, President Trump discussed various topics, including economic policies, foreign affairs, and domestic issues. The address was marked by visible divisions between Republican and Democratic members of Congress. Many Democrats chose to express their dissent through silent protests, such as wearing symbolic colors, holding up signs with messages like "False," and some even walked out during the speech.
It is interesting to see that this very idea is mentioned at the very end of Megillat Esther. After the Megillah discusses at length the work of Mordechai—who led the Jewish nation through the devastating and dangerous time of Haman's decree and witnessed the miracles that Hashem performed to save them— Mordechai was finally elevated to be second in command to the king.
Mordechai's accomplishments and legacy are remarkable. For example, as a member of the Sanhedrin, he established the chag of Purim, along with all its mitzvot. Mordechai is even called "the righteous" (HaTzadik), a title granted to only a select few, such as Yosef, who earned it for resisting the test with Potiphar’s wife.
One would expect such a great man to be universally applauded and celebrated. Yet, the Megillah ends with a bitter truth: he was accepted only by the majority of the nation, while a minority still opposed him.
The mefarshim offer different explanations for this. Rashi explains that the Sanhedrin separated themselves from Mordechai because he became involved in communal affairs for the king. Although this was clearly for the benefit of the Jewish community, the Sanhedrin felt that his primary role should have been learning Torah instead.
Mahari Kera offers a different perspective, stating that some among the nation blamed Mordechai for provoking Haman, which led to the entire Purim story. They argued that although they were ultimately saved by the grace of Hashem, the crisis could have been avoided altogether if Mordechai had not agitated Haman in the first place.
Others offer different explanations, but why were people not fully supportive of the great sage Mordechai HaTzadik? While the actions of the rabbis against Mordechai were driven by idealism, based on what they believed to be the proper priority, Metzudat Tzion explains that the rest of the people were simply jealous of him—after all, it is impossible to please everyone.
When opposition arises against someone, they should not be worried or offended, as this is a clear sign of success. If a person were not successful, no one would bother them. However, the more one achieves, the more opposition they will face, simply because it is human nature to be jealous.
The mefarshim explain that the story of Purim is unique because its themes repeat in every generation. Likewise, jealousy can be attributed to the despicable actions of those who refuse to recognize any good in President Trump's success for the nation.
in english

Rabbi Shay Tahan

During President Trump's address to Congress last week, there was a notable moment where he said that Democrats were unlikely to applaud his statements no matter what he did—even if he found a cure to save the entire world, they would not stand or show any type of support. Throughout his 100-minute speech, President Trump discussed various topics, including economic policies, foreign affairs, and domestic issues. The address was marked by visible divisions between Republican and Democratic members of Congress. Many Democrats chose to express their dissent through silent protests, such as wearing symbolic colors, holding up signs with messages like "False," and some even walked out during the speech.
It is interesting to see that this very idea is mentioned at the very end of Megillat Esther. After the Megillah discusses at length the work of Mordechai—who led the Jewish nation through the devastating and dangerous time of Haman's decree and witnessed the miracles that Hashem performed to save them— Mordechai was finally elevated to be second in command to the king.
Mordechai's accomplishments and legacy are remarkable. For example, as a member of the Sanhedrin, he established the chag of Purim, along with all its mitzvot. Mordechai is even called "the righteous" (HaTzadik), a title granted to only a select few, such as Yosef, who earned it for resisting the test with Potiphar’s wife.
One would expect such a great man to be universally applauded and celebrated. Yet, the Megillah ends with a bitter truth: he was accepted only by the majority of the nation, while a minority still opposed him.
The mefarshim offer different explanations for this. Rashi explains that the Sanhedrin separated themselves from Mordechai because he became involved in communal affairs for the king. Although this was clearly for the benefit of the Jewish community, the Sanhedrin felt that his primary role should have been learning Torah instead.
Mahari Kera offers a different perspective, stating that some among the nation blamed Mordechai for provoking Haman, which led to the entire Purim story. They argued that although they were ultimately saved by the grace of Hashem, the crisis could have been avoided altogether if Mordechai had not agitated Haman in the first place.
Others offer different explanations, but why were people not fully supportive of the great sage Mordechai HaTzadik? While the actions of the rabbis against Mordechai were driven by idealism, based on what they believed to be the proper priority, Metzudat Tzion explains that the rest of the people were simply jealous of him—after all, it is impossible to please everyone.
When opposition arises against someone, they should not be worried or offended, as this is a clear sign of success. If a person were not successful, no one would bother them. However, the more one achieves, the more opposition they will face, simply because it is human nature to be jealous.
The mefarshim explain that the story of Purim is unique because its themes repeat in every generation. Likewise, jealousy can be attributed to the despicable actions of those who refuse to recognize any good in President Trump's success for the nation.
in english

Rabbi Shay Tahan

Purim this year falls on Erev Shabbat, which brings several halachic and practical changes to the schedule and atmosphere of the day. The need to balance the mitzvot of Purim with the preparations for Shabbat requires careful planning and adjustment.

Preparing for Shabbat in Advance
Since Purim is a busy day, one must ensure that all Shabbat preparations—cooking, setting the table, and any necessary arrangements—are completed before the Purim Seudah. This requires planning ahead, possibly even beginning preparations on Thursday.

The Purim Seudah
One of the most significant changes is regarding the Purim Seudah. Ordinarily, the meal is held in the afternoon and extends into the night. However, since it is Erev Shabbat, one must finish the main part of the meal early enough so that it does not interfere with the appetite for the Friday night meal.
There is an absolute obligation to come to the Shabbat Seudah hungry, which is why Chazal forbade eating large meals on Fridays, even in the morning. There are two reasons for this prohibition:
1. If one eats a lot, even in the morning, it can diminish his appetite for the Shabbat night meal.
2. Large meals can interfere with Shabbat preparations by taking up time and energy.
The only exceptions are when a Simcha must take place on that day, such as a Brit Milah or Pidyon HaBen, or in our case, the Purim Seudah. In such instances, the meal must be held as early as possible to minimize its impact on Kavod Shabbat.
The Rema (695:2) writes that ideally, the custom is to hold the Seudah in the morning, which the Mishna Berura explains should be before midday (Chatzot), by the 6th hour of the day, to ensure it does not encroach upon Kavod Shabbat. If one is unable to have the Seudah by Chatzot, he may still do so, but no later than the 10th hour of the day. Of course, if one did not start the Seudah by then, he is still obligated to fulfill the Seudat Purim even after this time. However, one should be extremely careful to start the Seudah on time to avoid any complications.
One may not excuse himself from fulfilling the obligation of Seudat Purim by merely eating a simple meal or even a nice celebratory meal on his own. The Seudah of Purim must be joyous and festive, as the Rambam wrote (Megilah 2; 15): "What is the nature of our obligation for this feast? A person should eat meat and prepare as lavish a feast as his means permit. He should drink wine until he becomes intoxicated and falls asleep in a stupor."

No Late-Day Drinking
On a regular Purim, many people continue drinking and celebrating late into the afternoon and evening. This year, since Shabbat is approaching, one must be mindful to remain composed and fully prepared for Shabbat. Drinking excessively late in the day could interfere with Shabbat preparations and proper Kabbalat Shabbat.

Zmanim Considerations
Candle lighting for Shabbat must be done at the proper time, and one must ensure that all Purim activities, including the Seudah, are completed before then. This creates a time crunch not present in a regular year.

Megillah Reading
The obligation to hear the Megillah remains unchanged, with the reading taking place on Thursday night and Friday morning as usual. However, since the day is shortened due to the early onset of Shabbat and the need to prepare and eat the Purim Seudah earlier, one should try to daven earlier than usual to ensure timely Megillah reading. Additionally, many families must adjust their schedules to care for their children. Often, the husband hears the Megillah at Shacharit while the mother watches the children, and then they switch, with the mother going to shul to hear the Megillah. This arrangement can cause delays and a late start to the day's other Purim obligations.

Mishloach Manot and Matanot La’Evyonim
The mitzvot of sending Mishloach Manot and giving Matanot La’Evyonim must be fulfilled on Friday during the day. Given the limited time available before Shabbat, it is advisable to distribute these gifts earlier in the day to ensure they are completed properly.
Unlike regular years, when one has time while delivering Mishloach Manot to sit with friends, share a l'chaim, laugh, and shmooze, this year the clock is ticking. If one lingers too long, before he knows it, he will have to rush home to prepare for Shabbat, leaving little time to properly fulfill the day's mitzvot.
Interestingly, this year the day is extended by an extra hour due to daylight saving time. While there is much discussion and controversy over the benefits of DST with regard to Jewish laws, for Purim, it seems to be a positive.
in English

Découvrez le nouveau film d’animation IA événement sur l’histoire de Pourim, une production spectaculaire signée Torah-Box.

Pendant près d'une heure, plongez dans une fresque épique inspirée de la Méguilat Esther : la montée d’A’hachvéroch, les manœuvres d’Haman, le courage d’Esther, la grandeur de Mordékhaï… Le tout porté par des chansons originales, des clips musicaux et une mise en scène digne des grands classiques de notre enfance.

Une histoire riche en Midrachim et en détails authentiques, fidèlement puisés dans les enseignements de nos Sages et les livres saints, pour offrir une expérience à la fois spectaculaire… et profondément fidèle à la tradition.

Un véritable film d’animation, pensé pour captiver les enfants… et bouleverser les adultes.
Chaque scène a été travaillée avec exigence artistique et précision pédagogique afin que toute la famille puisse découvrir, comprendre et aimer encore plus l’histoire de Pourim.

Et comme toujours avec Torah-Box :
ce film est entièrement gratuit, pour que chaque enfant juif (et adulte) francophone puisse y avoir accès.

Préparez-vous…
Pourim comme vous ne l’avez jamais vu.

Tout sur Pourim : https://torahbox.com/BKQG
Don obligatoire de Pourim : https://torahbox.com/MEXD
"Zekher léMa'hatsit Hashekel" : https://torahbox.com/SCZS
Cadeaux aux veuves & orphelins : https://torahbox.com/VE79

CHAPITRES :
00:00:00 - Clip #1 - Chouchane, pays des sages et de poètes
00:01:19 - Le Conteur de Chouchane
00:02:08 - A'hachveroch, le palefrenier
00:02:39 - Clip #2 - Le palefrenier qui devient roi
00:05:00 - Secret du trésor royal
00:06:03 - Trône du roi Salomon
00:08:43 - Clip #3 - De Babel à Chouchane !
00:10:22 - Festin d'Ahachveroch
00:14:42 - Fin de la reine Vachti
00:17:00 - Esther, reine des 127 provinces
00:22:11 - Complot de Bigtan et Térech
00:23:50 - Haman, premier ministre
00:24:37 - Clip #4 - Je serai riche !
00:27:32 - Haman, le riche opportuniste
00:29:15 - Jalousie maladive d'Haman
00:29:57 - Décret d'extermination des Juifs
00:34:18 - Le peuple juif se tourne vers D.ieu
00:36:14 - Jeûne d'Esther
00:38:57 - Premier festin d'Esther
00:40:21 - Potence d'Haman
00:41:42 - Décret divin de protection du peuple juif
00:42:39 - Le sommeil troublé d'A'hachveroch
00:44:21 - Ce que le Roi fait à l'homme qu'il veut honorer
00:49:12 - Chute d'Haman
00:51:45 - Décret de Mordékhaï
00:53:35 - Vénahafo'hou ! Clip 5#
00:55:04 - 13 Adar - Révolte des Juifs
00:56:18 - Pourim !
in french

Rabbi Michael Khaimov
in english

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https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCYZjl1CYoa4ulQIK2q The story of the Book of Esther is a miraculous tale of heroism, that took place about 2,500 years ago in the ancient Persian Empire.
in english