The merrymaking that surrounds Purim often drowns out the wondrous threads that tie the day together. Join AishAudio to hear how the festivities themselves can upgrade the quality of your life.

Purim begins soon after this coming Shabbos.

The political maneuvering of Esther is spell binding. Hear how this queen of Persia conceals her Jewish Identity to save her people from complete annihilation. However, Rabbi Milstein asks if this should really be termed miraculous? He describes the false sense of security the Jewish people were living with, and how they were led to realize on their own how even apparently natural events are directed from above.

There are four important mitzvos we are expected to perform on Purim. What are the underpinnings of them, and what, if anything, do they have in common? Rebbitzen Heller examines the Jewish nation's shallow worldview during the feast of Achashverosh, and how during our own suedas Purim we can rise above this same shallowness. Hear also how giving money to the poor and sending food to friends is the exact prescription for reestablishing all friendly connections.

Rabbi Leff analyzes some popular myths about happiness under the spiritual microscope. He builds a working definition for enjoying greater satisfaction in this world, without losing focus on gaining eternal life in the next.

Unlike other religions which espouse asceticism: the withdrawal from physicality, Judaism directs us to elevate the material. Hear how Purim which is so packed with physical challenges like parties, laughter, drink, food, and gifts are in fact designed to help us go beyond the physical as stumbling blocks, and to perceive them as representing and awakening their spiritual counterparts. Pure Rav Yaakov.