Classes

Class Five.

Conclusion. The faith quality of the Rebbe’s argument is something that challenges us to contemplate faith and aspire to achieve it. Page 52-3.

Class One.

This class is missing.

Class two.

A Yom Tov named Purim. This class addresses several questions related to Purim: 1) Why use a Persian name for this Yom Tov? 2) Why use a name that reminds us of the tragedy rather than the miracle? 3) Why is G-d’s name never mentioned in the Megilla? and more.

Class Three.

Love beyond reason. This class explores the two concepts in hashgacha (providence) 1) Klalis (general) and 2) Protis (detailed). this is then applied to the story of Purim. This class provides a good example of how Chassidic philosophy brings sparkling clarity to a mysterious Torah question. In this case, why the joyous Yom Tov of…

Class Four.

Kreplach and a jug of wine. This class starts out with two stories that deepen the explanation of the Baal Shem Tov’s view of hashgacha pratis (specific Divine providence). This background provides the tools to further clarify why the Yom Tov of Purim is named after a lottery intended to destroy the Jewish people. Then…

Class Five.

The fast of Esther. This class begins with a short and clear discussion of the concept in Chassidus of tzimtzum (G-d “removes Himself” and yet is revealed at the core level). Then Rabbi Paltiel brings to life the situation of Mordechai and Esther after Haman’s evil plot was hatched. The sicha continues with a discussion…

Class Six.

An Inner Need for Teshuva. This class takes us into the choice of Mordechai and Esther To do teshuva personally (to repent) and to urge the Jewish people to Teshuva as a strategy to overcome the evil decree. The sicha then addresses how the behavior of the jews of Shushan led them into difficulty spiritually….

Class seven.

You can not Withdraw From An Empty Account. The class focuses on how important spiritual health is even when we are not the least bit aware of it. The section of the sicha discussed includes a moving analogy regarding the state of our accounts with Hashem (G-d). The class ends with a story about an…

Class Eight.

The Purim- Yom Kippur connection. There is a short summary at the beginning of the class of the entire series up to this point. The class then moves into a fascinating explanation of the connection between Purim and Yom Kippur. Understanding this connection gives new meaning to the entire Jewish calender.

Class Nine.

The message of a miracle. This class begins with a short summary of the Purim- Yom Kippur connection. The main topic of this class is miracles. Specifically a comparison of the two different types of miracles discussed in Chassidus- those that break the natural order versus those that occur within nature.