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Why is Purim (פורים) celebrated on the day of rest rather than the day of victory? The shiur develops a yesod that Purim shares with Shabbos (שבת) and Shavuos the quality of 'lachem' - being for human enjoyment rather than purely divine service. This explains the textual emphasis on 'noach' and clarifies the machlokes between Rambam (רמב"ם) and Tur about whether Purim is fulfilling Megillah commands or traditional yom tov obligations.
This shiur continues the analysis of Megillas Esther, focusing on several fundamental questions about the nature of Purim (פורים). Rabbi Zweig begins by examining the psychological transformation that occurred after the second letters, noting how the gentiles became terrified despite the Jews having no additional military power, creating a purely psychological advantage. A major focus is the crucial distinction between oyev (enemy) and soneh (hater). The rabbi explains that when Esther says 'ish tsar v'oyev,' she cannot be referring to Haman, who is a soneh (Amalekite), but rather to Achashverosh, who is an oyev. This linguistic analysis reveals how Chazal derive that Esther was pointing to Achashverosh, with the malach redirecting her hand to Haman. An oyev wants to take over and benefit from conquest, while a soneh like Amalek seeks only destruction, even at the cost of self-destruction.
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Megillas Esther 9:16-19
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