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Why do Pesach (פסח) and Tisha b'Av fall on the same day of the week, and why do we observe mourning customs during Pesach? The shiur develops the idea that Pesach contains potential for either redemption or destruction. If we had accepted Eretz Yisrael, the plagues would have turned permanently against the nations; our rejection on the ninth of Av meant those same destructive forces could target us.
Pesach (פסח) is time of potential destruction. Its "color" is techeiles, which relates to Makkas Bechoros. Idea is that purpose of Yetsias Mitzrayim was so we'd reach level of EY. If we'd be on level, sh'foch chamascha would be against goyim. If we'd reject EY - as we did on 9 Av, Makkos would turn against us. Thus, Pesach and 9 Av fall out on same day, and we have minhagei availus on Pesach. D'Rabanan's apply when Chazal saw dor would reach shlaimus in d'oraisa's only through this. Minhagim are same idea, but for single location.
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Why doesn't Chanukah appear in the Mishna? The shiur develops a fundamental yesod: Chanukah represents the victory of Gemara—the human ability to use godly intellect (ner Hashem nishmas adam) to develop Torah SheBaal Peh. The Menorah symbolizes the soul's illumination through this koach, while the Mizbeach represents the body's recreation—together forming the complete tikkun of man.
Why does Megillas Esther interrupt Torah study for a message the world deemed ridiculous—that every man should rule his home? The shiur develops the yesod that the moon's willingness to "make itself small" doesn't diminish it but creates unified sovereignty. A woman who enables her husband to lead isn't relegated to second class—she is the king-maker, comfortable creating oneness where a man cannot.
