click here to jump to beginning of article list
Join Our Newsletter

Join 400,000 Aish subscribers
 GET EMAIL UPDATES



HOT TOPICS

Scroll of Esther

Banging for Haman - I find going to the synagogue on Purim to hear the Megillah an unnerving experience to say the least. Why do the children have to set off explosives and make such a ruckus at various times during the... More
Don’t Miss a Word - I see many people in synagogue who bring their own Megillah scrolls for the reading. Is there any reason for that? I mean, shouldn’t they be quietly listening to the reader the entire time? Isn’t the... More
Esther & Achashverosh - In the Purim story, how do we understand that Mordechai handed over Esther to Achashverosh? I remember in the synagogue years ago, no one could agree on just what their relationship was. But I have read... More
See More

General

Haman and the Half-Shekel - I read that the Half Shekel that Jews give relates to Haman's offer to pay 10,000 "kikars" to Achashverosh for the right to annihilate the Jews (Esther 3:9). My question: If one kikar equals 3,000... More
Holy Purim Day - I was told by a friend that Purim is considered the holiest day in the Jewish year. That sounds a little far-out to me. This guy likes to party a lot. Is what he’s saying true? More
Mishloach Manot - I know that people exchange gifts and food baskets with each other on Purim. Are there specific requirements for this? Is this just a nice practice or does it have a basis in Jewish law? More
See More

Fast of Esther

Exemptions from Fasting - I tend to get bad headaches when I fast. Am I obligated to fast on the Fast of Esther? Likewise, I have a friend who is pregnant. What is her status? More
Why Fast? - My daughter, a preschool teacher, has a child in her class with sickle cell anemia who is presently in the hospital. Yesterday she visited the hospital and was instrumental in cheering up the child. She... More

Ask the Aish Rabbi a Question
May 25, 2013 / 16 Sivan 5773

Sponsors

    Sign up today!