Archive for the 'Purim' Category
Why The Jews?
Friday, March 22nd, 2024The question is why the Jews are the only people who have faced genocide throughout history. The answer is simple. The Jews represent a morality from God. And many people do not want to be moral. Share on Facebook
We Are God’s Vessels
Friday, March 1st, 2024The reason that the Jews built the Golden Calf was that they thought that without Moses that they would not have been redeemed. The lesson is that our leaders are vessels for God. They succeed when they do what God expects. Share on Facebook
Jewish Unity Defeats All
Tuesday, March 7th, 2023The main lesson of Purim is that we are required to have a festive meal with our neighbors, give charity, and give each other gifts. This is to promote Jewish unity. As Rabbi Kook mentions, the Temple will be rebuilt through senseless love. Share on Facebook
A Lesson in Bad Governance
Friday, March 3rd, 2023The story of Purim tells us that the real danger to the Jewish people is not people who are evil. We can find them easily enough, but of leaders who are venal and corruptible. Without them the evil doers do not have a chance to do evil. Share on Facebook
Hanukah and Purim
Wednesday, December 21st, 2022Why do we say Hallel on Hanukah bur not Purim? What is the difference between the two festivals? Share on Facebook
God is in the Details
Friday, March 18th, 2022פרשת צו – שושן פורים / ט”ו באדר ב’ תשפ”ב While God is not mentioned in the Book of Esther (Migilat Esther), we do see God’s hand guiding the events of the story through the way the story is told. This is to teach us that God is in our lives if only we bother […]
Do The Right Thing
Tuesday, March 15th, 2022פרשת צו / י”ב באדא ב’ תשפ”ב At the critical moment when Mordechai begs Esther to approach the king, she demurs. Mordechai reminds her that she is also under the decree. That if we need to do the right thing no matter how uncomfortable it makes us feel. Share on Facebook
Destroy Evil
Thursday, March 10th, 2022פרשת ויקרא / ז’ באדר ב’תשפ”ב This Shabbat is Shabbat Zachor, in which we remember the commandment to destroy Amalek. Why does the Torah take such a strong stand against Amalek? To teach that there are some things that are so evil they must be destroyed. Share on Facebook
The Ultimate Defeat of Evil
Tuesday, February 15th, 2022פרשת כי תישה / י”ד באדר א’ תשפ”ב The ultimate defeat of evil is not just to survive but to survive in a way that shows they failed to destroy your humanity. As long as you follow God’s commandments evil is defeated. As long as a Jew celebrates being Jewish then the Nazis have been […]
Approach Life with Happiness
Thursday, February 3rd, 2022פרשת תרומה / ב’ באדר ’ תשפ”ב As we enter the month of Adar, we should remember that no matter what problems that we have the best way to approach them is with happiness. That is the best way to avoid depression. Share on Facebook
About the Author: Shlomo Bar-Ayal is an Israeli-American, or an American-Israeli (I could never get that right) who is unabashedly pro-Israel, pro-US and a great guy.
He has an open mind to opinions that he agrees with.
Besides blogging on whatever he feels like blogging about on any given day he enjoys learning Talmud, davening, being the candyman in his synagogue, smoking his tobacco pipe, giving tours at the Grand Lodge of New York, being involved in Freemasonry, and partaking in an adult beverage every now and then