- Shabbat and Holidays
- The Laws of Purim
28
The mitzva to rejoice on Purim is quite unique, as it finds expression even in the physical aspects of life. Just as Haman’s decree targeted our soul and body alike, so too our joy over our salvation should be both spiritual and physical. Therefore, in addition to the mitzva of reading the Megilla, which gives expression to man’s spiritual side, there is a mitzva to prepare a festive and joyous meal (se’uda). During this meal, an emphasis is placed on drinking wine to the point where one loses his mental capacity to a certain degree. This expresses the notion that the Jewish people are holy and that even in a state of diminished mental capacity, they remain connected and close to God.
This joy must be accompanied by a heightened sense of love and unity among Jews. This is true joy, as it expresses a broadening of life and its spread through the love of all people. However, one who eats and drinks for their own sake is considered narrow and limited, preoccupied only with gratifying his own desires; such a person will never attain genuine joy. Thus, we are commanded to send gifts of food, mishlo’aĥ manot, to one another.
We should not content ourselves with increasing love among friends; rather, we must also care about the destitute, who are unable to rejoice fully. Therefore, we are commanded to give gifts to the poor, matanot la-evyonim, so that they too can take part in the joy of Purim. Anyone who disregards the pain of the destitute – even if he thinks that he is enjoying himself with his friends – is in reality engaged in debauchery, ignoring the realities of life. He flees thoughts about the suffering in this world so that he can have some fleeting happiness. But the harsh reality will not disappear when he drinks wine and becomes intoxicated. Therefore, deep down, he knows that he does not deserve to be happy, and he will remain miserable. However, if one makes sure to bring joy to the poor and unfortunate, his life has value, and he can truly and rightfully rejoice. This is why we were commanded to give gifts to the poor on Purim.

Guidelines for Hearing the Megillah for People in Quarantine
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit | Adar 12 5780

Purim Is Coming Soon – What Do I Do?
Rabbi Stewart Weiss | Adar II 6 5782

Intriguing Purim Questions
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Adar 12 5778
5. Types of Foods for Mishlo’ach Manot
Chapter 16: The Mitzvot of Joy and Kindness
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | Tevet 5 5782

The Desecration of God and the Torah
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | 5775

The Laws of Blowing the Shofar
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | Thursday, 23 Elul 5767

Take a Bow
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Cheshvan 20 5780

Adar - the month of laughter
Rabbi Haggai Lundin | Shvat 5773

Daf Yomi Sanhedrin Daf 81
R' Eli Stefansky | 8 Adar 5785

Ask the Rabbi: Watching a Bar Mitzva Videoed on Shabbat
Rabbi Daniel Mann | Adar 5785

Public Response to Zealous Defense of Rav Kook – #308
Date and Place: 15 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit | Adar 5785
