R Yitzchak Shifman Torah Classes

3 sections- discussion of people who are obligated in giving the machatzit hashekel and on whom we apply pressure, debate regarding obligation of Kohanim and if ideal for them to give, distinction between individuals who we can accept from and those we cannot

2 sections- discussion of matters that the Beis Din would do on 15th of Adar based on rules of Chol HaMoed including public needs and grave marking, order of historic enactments regarding court uprooting kilayim and sources for their ability to make property ownerless and also exempt from maaser

2 sections- discussion of matters that the Beit Din would do on 15th of Adar based on rules of Chol HaMoed including public needs and grave marking, order of historic enactments regarding court uprooting kilayim and sources for their ability to make property ownerless and also exempt from maaser

Nations of Canaan were completely fearful after miracles of crossing the Yarden, the Jews performed a communal mila, they celebrated Pesach and manna stopped, a Malach (Michael) conversed with Yehoshua signaling he'd help them conquer Yericho

2 sections- power of yetzer hara is highlighted via contrasting behaviors of Jews in various stories in Torah and 3 donations are recorded as well, discussion of Megilla reading (and other laws) as relates to alternative days and 2 Adarim

2 sections- power of yetzer hara is highlighted via contrasting behaviors of Jews in various stories in Torah and 3 donations are recorded as well, discussion of Megilla reading (and other laws) as relates to alternative days and 2 Adarim

Chinuch and Kli Yakar teach lessons that are emphasized through the laws of the korbanot

2 sections- various announcements and actions on first and fifteenth of Adar, sources for use of new shekalim for public offerings in Nissan, second and not first Adar, and discussion of earlier announcement for distanced communities

2 sections- various announcements and actions on first and fifteenth of Adar, sources for use of new shekalim for public offerings in Nissan, second and not first Adar, and discussion of earlier announcement for distanced communities

Jews finished crossing the Yarden and the Aron miraculously floated over the Yarden carrying it's carriers with it, 2 sets of stones were erected as monuments for future remembrance of that days miracles

Vayikra Rabba (Vayikra) 1:6, 11, 12, Bamidbar Rabba (Bamidbar) 1:3- the nations received benefits from the functioning of the Mishkan/Mikdash, even moreso than did the Jews

Jews are commanded in the unique ways they would travel moving forward, Kohanim carry Aron and miracles of the Yarden occur with the Jews crossing to the mainland and the Kohanim remaining inside the dry riverbed

Why was it important for the nations to acknowledge the return of our unique relationship with Hashem following the sin of the eigel?

Yehoshua sends two spies, Kaleiv and Pinchas, to investigate Yericho, and they meet Rachav, who in turn saves them from the officers of the king of Yericho, they form a pact with her, eventually returning to Yehoshua with a report of the terror the inhabitants of Canaan have of the Jews.

The people who were granted the supernatural knowledge to build the Mishkan were unique in having developed a specific prerequisite, yiras shamayim.

Hashem strengthens the new leader Yehoshua, the shotrim direct the people about 3 days time crossing the yarden, Yehoshua reminds 2.5 tribes about their agreement

Shemot Rabba (Vayakhel) 48:3,4- Chazal illustrate the special lineage of Betzalel and how it contributed to his wonderful qualities

Jews fight and defend themselves and the festival is established for future history

Gemara Megilla 12b, Esther Rabba 4:12- seemingly contradictory statements of Chazal revolving around the first letters of Haman teach us a lesson in the relationship between spouses.

The second party turns the tides, Haman is hung and Mordechai is elevated, counteractive letters are sent supporting the Jews and nations become fearful of them

3 controversial actions performed/paskened by Rebbi

The mitzva of "simcha" is best achieved through gladdening those who need the extra support.

Reasons the Megilla is pushed back to previous week and other events are pushed forward to coming week when they occur on Shabbos

Esther approaches the king on day 3 of fast and initiates her plan with party 1 and then requests party 2, Haman wishes to kill Mordechai on gallows he built but conversely he is required to parade Mordechai around the city and then is rushed to party 2

True simcha is achieved through gladdening others, particularly those who need the extra support.