Into, perek gimmel and daled ESTHER

Rachavam

Son of King Solomon, king of the southern tribes of Judah.

Yeravam

Ruler of the northern tribes of Israel, opposed Rachavam.

Northern Kingdom of Israel's downfall

Due to sinful actions, Hashem allowed war with Ashur, leading to the exile of northern tribes.

Year of conflict with Ashur

721 B.C.E., initiated a war with the northern tribes of Israel.

Nebuchad nezzar

King of Babylon who exiled elite Jews around 597 B.C.E.

Exile of elite Jews

Nebuchad nezzar exiled prominent Jews to weaken them and increase Babylon's power.

Persian King who allowed Jews to return

Cyrus; permitted the Jews to go back to Israel after Babylon's fall.

Significance of Sarah's age at death

She died at 127, paralleling the number of countries ruled by Achashverosh.

When does this story take place?

c. 485 - 465 bce

Why doesn’t Mordechai bow? Rashi

You can bow to a person, to respect them. Mordechai didn’t bow because Haman was acting godly.

Why doesn’t Mordechai bow? Ibn Ezra

He had avoda zara on his body.

Why doesn’t Mordechai bow? Gemara

He doesn’t want to bow to Amalek.

What happens when the other servants noticed he didn’t bow?

They tell Haman, and Haman gets enraged. He not only wants to kill Mordechai, but he wants to kill all Jews in 127 countries.

What year of the kings rein was this?

12th year.

What does Ibn Ezra say about how Hamans raffle landed on the last month of year?

It was a miracle, because that meant the Jews had a year to pray and do Teshuva.

Why did Haman try to bribe the king into letting him kill the Jews?

When you wipe out a nation, you get rid of help to the economy. Haman wanted to pay the king to make up for his losses.

Does the king allow the genocide of the Jews?

Yes, he gives Haman the ring (stamp).

What tune is Perek Daled Pasuk Aleph read in? (Mordechai hears news of the genocide of Jews)

Eicha.

Why are the Jews dying according to Mordechais nevua? Rashi

They bowed to idols in the time of Nevuchat Nezzar, and they enjoyed the kings party (had things from the Beit HaMikdash).

What do we learn about Mordechai’s attire and the relevance to dressing nowadays in holy places?

Since he was dressed badly, he didn’t go to his usual place by the palace. We adopted this because we dress nicely at Shul.

What tune was Perek Daled, Pasuk gimmel read in? (when jews mourned, and fasted)

Eicha.

Who is “they”?

Mordechai is talkking to Hatach? Mordechai says its fine, dont do it. The Jews will be fine, but you wont get them credit. But also don’t you think they were chosen for a reason?