The Talmud tells us to do something strange on Purim: drink until you don’t know the difference between “blessed is Mordechai” and “cursed is Haman” (“ad d’lo yada”). This is a surprising statement. Judaism generally doesn’t promote getting drunk. And why would we want to be confused about not knowing the difference between blessing Mordechai (the […]
The Jews are facing annihilation. This time, there seems to be no way out of their predicament. The king has issued a decree, and once the king has issued a decree there is no way of rescinding that decree. Yet, miracles of miracles, the Jews triumph! Out of seemingly nowhere, Esther, the quiet niece of […]
Are you ready to hear a chilling story about Purim? Let’s take it back to the Talmud to start – the book of the Talmud connected to Purim. Jacob said before the Holy One, “Do not grant Esau the wicked the desire of his heart.” This refers to Germamya, a royal province of Edom, who […]
Dear JITC- Is it true that the only holidays we’ll still celebrate when Moshiach comes are Chanukah and Purim? If so, why? Sincerely, Chaya Dear Chaya- Thanks for your question. This is a topic that I addressed a few years ago in a different context, so please forgive me if I repurpose what I wrote […]
Moshe Grunfeld is not your typical Hasidic Jew, having built his once-creative outlet into a full-time career in the realm of special effects and theatrical makeup design and photography. He grew up in Borough Park, Brooklyn as a Skverer Hasid, then became close to the Munkatcher Rav in yeshiva and now considers himself to be […]
In just a short time, Jews all over the world and from all walks of life will once again read the beautiful Purim story. It’s one for the ages: how the Jewish People were saved through the hands of Esther and Mordechai from a bitter enemy that threatened our annihilation. There are so many layers […]
