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Why did Esther request that Haman's ten sons be hung on the 14th of Adar? The shiur develops the concept of mored b'malchus (rebellion against the king) as a key legal framework throughout the Megillah. Hanging serves as both execution method and public declaration of treason, explaining why this legal classification gave the Jews greater security than personal vengeance would have provided.
Rabbi Zweig begins by examining Esther 2:17, focusing on the phrase "va'yasam keter malchus be'roshah" (he placed the royal crown on her head). He argues that this indicates Esther became a co-ruler with Achashverosh, not merely his subject, similar to Vashti's previous status as "shnei melachim mishtamshim" (two kings serving together). This royal partnership explains Esther's unique position in the palace. A significant question arises regarding Mordechai's continued instruction to Esther to conceal her Jewish identity and royal lineage even after being chosen as queen. Rashi (רש"י) explains that initially, concealing her distinguished family background prevented Achashverosh from specifically selecting her. However, Rabbi Zweig questions why this secrecy continued after her selection, since she could no longer leave regardless. He acknowledges this as a strong difficulty that will be resolved later in the analysis.
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Esther 2:17
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Why did the Jews begin mourning immediately when Haman's decree was set for eleven months later? The phrase 'lihyos tovim l'yom hazeh' suggests Jews were confined immediately in sealed cities, since killing every Jew on a single day required prior imprisonment. This explains why they performed kri'ah and mourning rituals typically reserved for actual deaths.
