A Guided Approach to Learning the Megillah

Michoel Gros on March 8, 2022

The Gemara in Mesechtas Megillah explains many of the behind-the-scenes events of Megillas Esther. In particular, Daf 13a analyzes important verses in the beginning of the Megillah.

Derech B’Yam HaTalmud has prepared a free mini E-book which can help people learn the Gemara more deeply. It elucidates important topics on the daf, including:

  • The Gemara says that Esther was Yerarokes. What color is this? It is typically translated as green, but not all commentators agree.
  • How did Esther gain this color?
  • Did Esther’s pigment enhance or detract from her natural beauty?
  • How did Esther keep kosher in the palace?
  • The Gemara suggests that she ate bacon while she was the queen. This statement needs much clarity, which the commentators provide.
  • What do we do today to observe Esther’s commitment to Kashrut in the palace?

Click here to download the E-book.

Free mini e-book: Derech B’Yam on Megillah 13a

Michoel Gros on December 22, 2021

As the Daf Yomi makes its way through the first half of Mesechtas Megillah, it is learning how the Gemara understands many of the key verses in the beginning of Megillas Esther. Daf 13a analyzes important verses in the Megillah describing the interaction between Mordechai and Esther, Esther’s color and how she kept Kosher in the palace.

Derech B’Yam HaTalmud on the Daf elucidates many of the topics on Daf 13a to provide more insight into them. It discusses the statement that Esther was ירקרוקת. This term is often translated as “Green” but there is a range of opinions regarding this in the commentators. It is necessary to define the color and the impact that it had on Esther.

Did Esther’s pigment enhance or detract from her natural beauty?

The Gemara on 13a also presents a debate regarding which food(s) Esther ate while living in the palace, including one surprising statement that she ate bacon. This statement needs much clarity, which the commentators provide.

The mini e-book on Megillah 13a is available for free download on our E-books page.

Derech B’Yam HaTalmud offers a live daily Gemara B’Iyun shiur in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Eretz Yisrael, as well as written and electronic materials for independent learning and teaching.