The ArtScroll Series presents the comments of the classic giants of ancient and contemporary times in a logical, comprehensible manner, like a master teacher on an exciting voyage of intellectual discovery.
Chance and Providence is a collection of sermons that explains the hidden world of meaning in the holiday of Purim. Rabbi Shagar addresses issues of determinism, Amalek and the nature of Avodat HaShem as he leads readers toward a deep understanding of the themes of Purim.
The Book of Esther has inspired and impacted the American project since its very inception. Rabbis and ethicists, abolitionists and artists, preachers and presidents, have understood the text to speak to their moment. It has offered solace to immigrants, forged solidarity, impacted politics, and, in the spirit of Esther 4:14, roused individuals to realize that deliverance was not to come from some other place, but from their own heroic actions on behalf of their people . As we Americans once again find ourselves navigating antisemitism and bigotry, questioning the limits and purposes of power, reassessing gender dynamics, and grappling with how to keep an ethnically diverse empire from imploding, it is once again to Esther we must turn, to the timeless scroll that continues to urge us to find strength and redemptive possibility in the least expected of places. Includes the Megilla text.
Megillas Esther: Ancient story or present-day reality? Coincidence or miracle? Darkness or Glimpses of Light? The oppressed Jewish nation faces complete annihilation, but is miraculously saved by an unexpected series of natural events. Was the chain of changes a string of natural coincidences and events, or was it a medley of masterfully orchestrated miracles? Is the Purim story a one-time occurrence? Or is there a deeper, timeless message hidden within this ancient account? In "Glimpses of Light", Rabbi Yehudah Steinberg, delves into Megillas Esther and extracts the underlying messages hidden in the seemingly straightforward Purim story. Presenting the words of Chazal, midrashim, parables, and anecdotes in a lucid fashion, the author brings home the profound relevance of the Megillah's lessons for us, even today, so that we can truly appreciate the concept of hashgachah pratis and discover a fresh inspiration for trust in Hashem. An invaluable sourcebook for rabbis, educators, and laymen alike, this enlightening and inspiring book is vital for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of and appreciation for Megillas Esther and a more meaningful Purim experience.
In his writings, Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch offered profound and original insights into the meaning of all aspects of Jewish life and thought. His successor, Rav Dr. Salomon Breuer, and his grandson, Rav Dr. Joseph Breuer, offered further understanding, following the ideas of Rav Hirsch.
Moadim Perspectives: Chanukah - Purim contains inspiring teachings from these great Rabbinic leaders that will serve to imbue a deeper appreciation for these festive days and enhance the spiritual level that these Moadim help us to achieve
"The integrated translation of Megillas Esther is taken from the Margolin edition of the Torah ... translated by Binyamin S. Moore, c1999"--T.p. verso.
Step into a new world, the world above, beyond, and before the Purim story, in this riveting, state-of-the-art work.
History, archaeology, and geography intersect here with a fascinating account of the people, places, and cultures preceding and during the Purim story, including cutting-edge findings, research, and artifacts that lend richness and scope to the events recorded in the Megillah.
This thoroughly captivating book answers many important questions about the Purim story and weaves together biblical sources with numerous historical documents for a professional and satisfying perspective.
(Includes full-color photos and Megillas Esther in Hebrew and English.)
Of all the masks we may encounter over the course of Purim, the most intriguing is the one worn by Purim itself…
On the one hand, Purim commemorates and celebrates the miracle that Hashem performed for the Jewish People at the time. In this retrospective sense, it faces backwards
On the other hand, however, it also faces forwards in the sense that it provides a vision toward the future. It contains many messages that reveal extremely profound concepts and fundamental truths…the festival of Purim is a time when these ideas can be encountered, accessed, and absorbed anew.
Ultimately, these two different directions do not conflict with each other, for the day of Purim is not just a historical event; it is an ongoing presence in the Jewish calendar and in its national experience.
Behind the feasting and merriment which accompany the day of Purim lie some of the most profound and meaningful ideas of Judaism. Drawing on a fascinating array of sources, renowned teacher and author Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein (author of the bestselling Teshuva, Aggadah, and Darkness to Destiny Haggadah) guides the reader on an eye-opening journey towards a deeper appreciation of the Jewish people's most colorful festival.
Approbations:
It is known that the festival of Purim is both concealed and exalted, its laws and customs are hidden and mystifying. In this unique sefer, the author explains the essence of the day as well as the avodah which accompanies it.
Edited by Mosher Rimer
Translated by David Dubin
Published by Society of Israel Philatelists 2018
The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the rescue of the Jews in the Persian Empire in about 500 BCE. In synagogues around the world the biblical Book of Esther, which recounts the miraculous events, is read on the festive holiday. Picking up on themes in the book, Moshe Rimer, a member of the Israel Philatelic Federation, has produced a lavishly illustrated the Book of Esther with a philatelic commentary. For example, mention of the drawing of lots, a central event in the book, is accompanied by a discussion of stamps depicting games of chance. The translated book retains the esthetic values of the original and should enhance the experience of reading and studying the book of Esther in addition to adding to enjoyment of the Purim holiday.
Book includes the Megillah Esther in both Hebrew and English.
