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March 21, 2008
Purim 2008
The Malbim on Megillat Esther, translated and adapted by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach. This was one of Ariel's ZT'L favorite commentaries. It is, dare I say it, a real page-turner.
Mordechai's letter detailed the motivations of Haman. It was not hatred towards him personally that sparked him but the ancient hatred of his Amelekite forebears for Jewry. The miracle of his failure was even greater because the particular time was terribly unfavorable to the Jewry. Although his very first idea was to merely destroy them spiritually, the lots he cast indicated such an opportune period that he decided on physical genocide.
Seraphic Friends Sigmund, Carl & Alfred, analyze Purim with accurate and frightening historical accuracy:
Adolph Hitler once said that there would be ‘no Mordecai and Esther to save the Jews.‘ His remarks were met with great laughter. He went on to say, in a speech delivered on January 30, 1944, that, if the Nazis went down in defeat, the Jews could celebrate ‘a second Purim.’
To read the complete post, please click here.
Karen and I wish all our friends a happy and meaningful Purim.
And do purchase my friend J.T. Waldman's brilliant graphic novel, Megillat Esther. Here are some preview pages that will give you a sense of the richness of Waldman's artistry.
Michael Yon has a new website. You must go there.
Karen and I wish all our friends a lovely and meaningful Rest in Shabbat.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at March 21, 2008 07:31 AM
Comments
Seraphic Secret is private property, that's right, it's an extension of our home, and as such, Karen and I have instituted two Seraphic Rules and we ask commentors to act respectfully.
1. No profanity.2. No Israel bashing. We debate, we discuss, we are respectful. You know what Israel bashing is. The world is full of it. Seraphic Secret is one of the few places in the world that will not tolerate this form of anti-Semitism. That's it. Break either of these rules and you will be banned.
I haven't studied the Malbim as in depth as I should, but his introduction is a very interesting study in political science.
Posted by: soccer dad at March 24, 2008 09:29 AM