Torah Or on Megilas Esther: Elucidated English Translation of the Chassidic Discourses

The first-ever English edition of Torah Or on Megilas Esther by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi — the Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad Chassidus. aaThis volume presents all 10 discourses (maamarim) and their accompanying elucidations (biurim) from the Alter Rebbe's mystical commentary on Megilas Esther in a clear, elucidated English translation. For the first time, these profound Chassidic teachings on Purim and the hidden dimensions of the Megillah are made fully accessible to the English-speaking world — no Hebrew knowledge required.Megilas Esther, the only book of Tanach where Hashem's Name does not appear explicitly, is understood in Chassidus as revealing the deepest mysteries of Divine concealment and revelation. The Alter Rebbe's discourses penetrate beneath the surface narrative to uncover the spiritual mechanics of Purim — the nature of self-sacrifice (mesirus nefesh), the power of joy and ad d'lo yada, and the paradox of finding Hashem precisely within hiddenness.What's in this volume:10 maamarim with biurim — from "Yaviu Levush Malchus" through "U'v'zeh HaNa'arah Ba'ah," spanning the full breadth of the Alter Rebbe's commentary on Megilas EstherElucidated English translation — faithfully rendering the Alter Rebbe's words while weaving in explanatory context to make each passage clear, even for readers with no background in ChassidusExplanatory notes clarifying Kabbalistic terminology, Chassidic concepts, and the structure of the spiritual worlds (Seder Hishtalshelus)Detailed footnotes with full source citations and cross-references to Tanach, Shas, Zohar, and Chassidic worksTopics explored include: the spiritual significance of royal garments (levush malchus) and the garments of the soul, the mystical meaning of Mordechai's emergence before the King, the nature of Avraham's faith and its connection to Purim, the secret of Esther's approach to the inner chamber, the power of Jewish acceptance of Torah at Purim (kiyemu v'kiblu), the obligation to reach ad d'lo yada, and the cosmic rectification achieved through the joy of Purim.Written by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745–1812) — the Baal HaTanya and Shulchan Aruch HaRav — Torah Or is one of the two foundational texts of Chabad Chassidus (alongside Likkutei Torah), studied weekly by thousands worldwide as part of the annual Chassidus study cycle.Published by Aryeh Press. Read more