PEREK 1
According to Malbim, how did Achashverosh rise to power? What was his agenda?
According to the Midrashim, who was this Achashverosh, and how did he come to power? Why did he make a banquet now, in his third year? What do historical sources tell us?
What function did the palace's "Ginas ha'Bisan" serve? What was it called in Persian? Which of its features remain until today?
1. Rabbi Landy's lecture for Purim 5769 from 44:00 til 45:05
2. Rabbi Landy's lecture for Purim 5769 from 48:40 til 50:30, also look for Rabbi Landy's book "Purim and the Persian Empire" (Feldheim, 2010).
Why was the women's party to take place in the king's palace, rather than in Vashti's quarters? What was his agenda in summoning Vashti to appear before him?
Was it acceptable Persian custom for women to appear in public? What is the distinction between any "modesty" found among the nations, and Tzeni'us among Klal Yisrael?
Chazal teach that Memuchan was a.k.a. Haman, who was "Muchan" for punishments. How is punishment implicit in the name Memuchan?
2. Lecture for Parshas Zachor 5763 from 4:10, by Rabbi Mordecai Kornfeld
PEREK 2
How does this verse hint at what happened to Vashti - and why she deserved it?
This seems to be a contradiction; was Mordechai descended from Yehudah, or from Binyamin?
Had Mordechai been living in Shushan, ever since being exiled with Yechonyah?
Why did Mordechai insist that Esther not reveal that she is a Jew?
In the deeper meaning of this Pasuk according to the Vilna Gaon, who is the "Na'arah," and what is her twelve-month preparation?
In what ways was Esther granted "Chen" - grace or favor?
1. Members' lecture for Chanukah 5767 from 13:05 til 18:00, by Rabbi Mordecai Kornfeld
Having already selected Esther as queen, why did Achashverosh return to gathering maidens?
PEREK 3
What was the significance of Haman being made "great"? Why was this tantamount to Avodah Zarah
Why wouldn't Mordechai bow before Haman? Was he justified in bringing on this confrontation? What is the lesson for us today?
What is the origin of these names for the months? They do not appear in Torah!
According to Malbim, was Achashverosh a willing partner in Haman's plan to kill the Jews?
What did Haman hope to accomplish by paying specifically this amount? Why did his efforts ultimately fail?
1. Members' Lecture for Purim 5768, by Rabbi Mordecai Kornfeld
How much does 10,000 Kikar of silver weigh? Would this have been a significant offer for the Persian king?
For what sin were the Jews deserving of Haman's edict?
What does "Pas'shegen" mean? What was Haman's scheme in appending this brief message?
