This in-depth Gemara study of Masechet Megillah explores the joyous festival of Purim. Our mini-series opened with an analysis of Purim observance in a leap year, when two months of Adar are observed.
We then turned to an extensive clarification of the formal induction of Megillat Esther into the biblical canon, before beginning our analysis of the Purim mitzvot related to holiday gifting.
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Tractate Megillah · Chapter One · Daf 7b
Episode Ten: Feast Gone Too Far?
In our quest to better understand the underpinnings and essence of Purim’s mitzvah of giving, we explored multiple narratives of Purim parcel-sending in order to define the nature, scope, and halachic contours of Mishloach Manot.
In this new episode we focus on one final such story, which tellingly contains several possible interprative narratives itself!
We then move from exchanging Manot to merrymaking and mortal risk, in the course of the related mitzvah of the grand feast known as the Purim Seudah.
Unpacking the parcels leads directly to setting the table: a celebratory meal that includes feasting, wine, and intoxication.
But the Gemara records a Purim celebration that seemingly ends in death — only for the pious partygoer to be rescued through a miracle. And yet, despite a generous invitation to repeat the celebration the following year, the erstwhile victim declines, sensing that he has no permission to tempt fate and expect a different outcome.
What in heaven is going on here? What kind of joy could justify risking everything?
And why would a pious Purim celebration demand such an extreme form of rejoicing?
This tenth episode of our continuing Purim mini-series is dedicated by Les and Iris Friedman to commemorate the yahrtzeit of Les’s mother, Bluma bat Naftali Hertzka, OBM.
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