L’ilui Nishmas R’ Avraham Menashe ben Yosef Meir HaLevi, zt’l

Sometimes a story can be more potent than anything else. This story is the perfect way to walk out of Purim into Pesach!

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On the surface, at least, getting drunk on Purim is not only part of the simcha of the day but certainly enhances it as well. What would the day look like if we all remained sober?

However, it doesn't take much thought to realize that drinking to the point of "Ad d'lo Yada" seems to contradict the entire intention of the Torah! Living a life of Avodas Hashem requires us to be fully mindful and maximize the cognitive powers that The Ribono Shel Olam has endowed us with.

If so, how could Chazal give us a mitzvas hayom to reach a state where we are literally wasted?

When we probe deeper into this mitzvah, aside from answering this question we will gain valuable insight into a unique opportunity that Purim offers unavailable to us the rest of the year!

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What could be more simple than being b'simcha on Purim? After all, it's a day filled with opportunities to be happy. Whether it's the excitement of hearing the Megillah, delivering m'shloach manos, getting drunk at the seudah, or all of the above, it's so easy!

And yet, an entirely different story emerges when we look at the Rambam. The true simcha of Purim revolves around matanos l'evyonim! Why? That we want to share and help the less fortunate is certainly understandable. Why should they be left out? But to put the mitzvah of helping those in need at the center of our "freilichen Purim" doesn't make much sense! Or does it?

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If you seek the Torah’s timeless wisdom to assist in navigating your life's challenges, check out other helpful episodes on this podcast.