Adam's Torah
This podcast is recordings from classes given by Adam Sabzevari. There are episodes on the weekly Parasha and the Jewish holidays
There is also a series on the Sefer HaMitzvot, in which we go through the list of the Mitzvot.
We will learn the Sefer HaMitzvot HaKatzar (“Concise Book of Commandments”), written by Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan (the Chofetz Chaim). The book is an abbreviated reworking of the Rambam's Sefer HaMitzvot that only includes commandments applicable outside of Israel in the post-Temple era. ************************* Podcast Link: https://adamstorah.buzzsprout.com/
Adam's Torah
The Purim Story (Part 1 of 4): Megillat Esther Explained
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In this first class of our 4-part series leading up to Purim, we begin exploring Megillat Esther through the lens of the Gemara (Masechet Megillah)—where Chazal unpack the story with depth, drama, and meaning.
Part 1 sets the historical stage, introduces Achashverosh’s world, and explains a foundational idea: the Megillah was written under Persian rule, so its messages often come through hints and coded language—inviting us to read carefully and connect the dots.
What we cover
- Why we start learning Purim in the “30-day red zone”
- Why we don’t say Hallel on Purim (three classic approaches)
- The exile timeline: Israel → Babylonia → Persia
- Achashverosh’s extravagant 180-day feast + the 7-day Shushan feast
- Vashti’s refusal and the ripple effect of royal decrees
- The beauty-pageant system and what it reveals about the kingdom
- Introducing Mordechai and Esther—and the hidden hand of Hashem (without His Name appearing)
Timestamps
00:03 Intro + series overview
06:07 Why no Hallel on Purim?
09:27 How the Jews arrived in Persia
13:50 The 180-day feast and political strategy
21:29 Vashti and the royal fallout
31:34 The beauty contest + its consequences
35:43 Mordechai & Esther; hidden miracles and Tanakh allusions
📌 Next up (Part 2): Esther’s rise, Mordechai’s guidance, and the deeper “coded” architecture of the story.
If you enjoyed this class, please like, subscribe, and share to help others prepare for Purim with depth and joy.
#Purim #MegillatEsther #Gemara #MasechetMegillah #Torah #Tanakh #HiddenMiracles #Esther #Mordechai
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