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Why did our shekalim counteract Haman's shekalim when Achashverosh refused Haman's money anyway? Building on the Maharal's approach, Haman's payment represented purchasing us away from Achashverosh's kingdom before destroying us. Our shekalim for korbanos declare we belong to Hashem (ה׳) alone, making us impossible for any earthly power to purchase or control.
Rabbi Yeshaya Greenberg ZT"L begins by examining the connection between Parshas Shekalim and Purim (פורים), noting that the Gemara (גמרא) teaches that our shekalim preceded Haman's shekalim and thereby saved us. He raises several fundamental questions: Why were Haman's shekalim significant when Achashverosh ultimately refused the money? How do our shekalim specifically counteract his? The shiur then addresses a profound textual question about the Gemara's statement that 'great is the removal of the ring' (hasaras habas) rather than the giving of the ring (nesinas habas). Rabbi Yeshaya Greenberg ZT"L argues this is problematic because the removal itself accomplished nothing - it was the giving to Haman that enabled the decree. He searches extensively for commentators who address this issue.
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Parshas Shekalim
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