Purim Koton - Part II

00:01 The hemsech to the earlier installment in regards to Purim Kattan, we continue now with installment number two, discussing additional insights from the Rebbe's Sichas Minege to Purim Kattan. The Rebbe states that Purim Kattan is also called the fourteenth of Adar Aleph in the Gemara. Therefore, when we choose to use the term Purim Kattan, we are emphasizing that it has an aspect in which it is smaller than Purim. On the one hand, we say it is smaller, which would seem to indicate that it is less important than Purim. On the other hand, the Talmud says there is no difference between the first Adar and the second Adar, m-meaning Purim and Purim Kattan, save only in the reading of the Megillah and the distribution of the gifts to the poor. This would seem to indicate that in all other matters, the two Purims are equal. Add to this the fact that we call it the fourteenth of the first Adar, which would seem to say that it is first in importance. Interestingly, Purim has in common with Pesach that they both have a small partner. Purim has Purim Kattan, and Pesach has Pesach Sheini or Pesach Kattan, except that in the case of Purim, the small Purim is first more important. Hashem created the world in a manner of giver and receiver. Nothing is completely independent, but everything must rely on something else sometimes. This provides us with the opportunity to do good by being benevolent to others, and it precludes jealousy in creation. Therefore, the quote

02:06 of our sages, "Who is wise? He who learns from every person," as is mentioned in Pirkei Avos, chapter four, Mishnah one, means that even a great scholar who usually finds himself teaching others must also keep his eyes, ears, and mind open to learn from others who are actually less wise than he. Since everything was created for the glory of Hashem, it follows that everything in existence can contribute something which another creature cannot give. Now, if Hashem's honor and glory is enhanced by the contribution of a particular creature, certainly man must be ready to gain from everyone and everything. If so, Purim Kattan, although it may be small, certainly has something important to cont-contribute. By coming first, Purim Kattan opens the gate and makes it easier to follow through with the divine service of Purim later on. It also provides the opportunity for Purim to introduce new aspects subsequent to and in addition to this theme of Purim Kattan. In a sense, it serves as a training day for Purim. Now, by giving encouragement and enthusiasm a month ahead on Purim Kattan, all of the themes of Purim will be richer and stronger. And although this could be done in a normal year as well, we see that there is a distinct advantage when the motivation is closed in a Purim format on Purim Kattan. The Rebbe continues and concludes the Sicha, this provides an additional reason for the fabrengan to encourage and inspire everyone to make the proper preparations to carry out the quote-unquote mitzvah

04:13 Purim to educate and inform Am Yisrael of the mitzvahs of Purim so that they will perform them. By starting on Purim Kattan, we will neutralize any problems and instill more power and enthusiasm for the mitzvahs of Purim. And the Rebbe continues in the next talk, there may be those who seek a pretense and argue that we find no source for a thirty-day preparation and encou- or encouragement period for Purim. In Shulchan Aruch, we are told only of the rule to teach the laws of Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot thirty days before each holiday. The truth is that regarding the mitzvah of Schulim, the Talmud also teaches that on Rosh Chodesh Adar, they would announce about the half shekels because the donations had to reach the Beis Hamikdash before Rosh Chodesh Nisan. Clearly here we have an example of a thirty-day preparation period.