Category: Purim
Let’s Welcome the Newest Member of ArtScroll’s “Megillas Esther Family”: The Czuker Edition Mikraos Gedolos Megillas Esther
Beyond the seudos and the mishloach manos and the costumes and the fun … there is Megillas Esther. There is so much to discover, so much to learn in this beloved sefer. How to deal with Jew-hatred, life in a galus that offers material plenty, finding Hashem when He seems most hidden — here are themes and hashkafic insights that speak so clearly to our own concerns and challenges.
Megillas Esther occupies a very special place in the ArtScroll office. After all, Esther: The Megillah was the very first ArtScroll book! Now, more than four decades and over 100,000 copies later, it remains the gold standard of translation, with commentary by Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz z’l, and Overview by Rabbi Nosson Scherman.
For this Purim, ArtScroll proudly welcomes the newest member of our Megillah “family” — The Czuker Edition Mikraos Gedolos Megillas Esther.
Like all the others in this very successful series, the Mikraos Gedolos Megillas Esther features all the classic Mikraos Gedolos commentaries, newly typeset, fully menukad, with all roshei teivos opened. This volume also includes Kitzur Alshich, an abridged version of the famed Alshich commentary on the Megillah, Biurei HaGra, and the Malbim’s Iggeres HaPurim. State-of-the-art typography ensures a wonderful learning experience. The binding is side sewn, library quality and the paper is acid-free and specially milled, to ensure the volumes will last for generations. Although the Megillah will be included in a forthcoming volume of all five Megillos, it is now available for Purim, in a conveniently sized separate edition, perfect for bringing to the Megillah reading.
The Cuzker Edition Mikraos Gedolos Megillas Esther is joining a very illustrious Megillas Esther “family.” The Schottenstein Interlinear Megillah, with its patented interlinear format, allows the reader to “read it in Hebrew and understand it in English” by placing the English translation directly beneath the Hebrew text. The Family Megillah offers a flowing translation, spiced with short capsule comments throughout, and the Lipman Edition Megillah with Complete Purim Evening Services offers a translation and commentary on the Megillah, together with Minchah for Taanis Esther and the Maariv service for Purim.
Whatever your needs and background, you will find an ArtScroll Megillas Esther that is right for you!
Order your copy today from Artscroll.com!
Bringing the Study of Zera Shimshon to a Whole New Level! Premiere Volume in the set: Zera Shimshon on Megillas Esther
Rav Shimshon Chaim Nachmani was one of the greatest rabbanim in 18th-century Italy. In his Introduction to his Torah commentary, Zera Shimshon, he speaks of the tragic death of his only son. He writes, “With His [Hashem’s] enormous lovingkindness, even though He had taken away my only son … He still remembered me mercifully, and He has given me ‘other descendants.’” Those “other descendants” were Rav Shimshon Chaim’s Torah commentaries, Zera Shimshon and Toldos Shimshon.
To those who would learn his sefarim, he promised great blessings, writing, “Your eyes shall see children and children’s children, like olive shoots around your table. Your homes will be full of all the good. Wealth and honor will not cease from your descendants ….”
For close to two centuries, the “segulah of the Zera Shimshon,” and the sefarim themselves, were almost forgotten, only to be rediscovered about a decade ago. First there was a story of an amazing recovery from illness after someone learned Zera Shimshon. Then another story, and another — shidduchim coming about after years of searching, business opportunities opening up, etc.
As people heard about the commentary and the segulah connected to it, thousands flocked to learn the sefer, but many found it a challenging task. There are so many treasures in the Zera Shimshon — but they are not easily uncovered. The commentary is complex and written in a terse style, with countless allusions to concepts and text from all over the Written and Oral Torah.
Over the past few years ArtScroll heard the request again and again: Give us an elucidated translation of the Zera Shimshon so that we, too, can truly understand this beautiful but challenging commentary.
You asked; we answered. And so, ArtScroll proudly announces the publication of The Zera Shimshon on Megillas Esther, the first title in a projected multivolume series, The Zera Shimshon on the Torah.
This beautiful premiere volume contains the full Hebrew text of the commentary, together with a translation and elucidation that follow the classic ArtScroll style. In 22 “derashos,” the Zera Shimshon offers us a new and fascinating perspective on the historical and spiritual background of Haman’s schemes, Esther’s defense of her people, Mordechai’s victory, and, of course, Hashem’s hidden Hand in the miracle.
More than any segulah, the Torah insights of the Zera Shimshon are transformative. And you can access them — and enrich your Purim and your life — with Zera Shimshon on Megillas Esther.
Get your copy TODAY at artscroll.com!

Purim with ArtScroll + Giveaway!
Purim is just a few weeks away, and there’s still time to shop for Purim titles for the entire family!
Want to win a selection of Purim megillos and titles for the whole family? Scroll down for your chance to win!
With ArtScroll’s large selection of Megillos, Purim titles for children, and general purim reading, there is something for everyone. Don’t forget: ArtScroll.com carries a full line of Purim judaica and gifts as well, including gift boxes, cookie cutters, noisemakers, confetti and more!
Make sure to order soon to ensure your order arrives in time!
Giveaway is over! Congrats to the winner, Devorah G.
Purim Giveaway! One reader will win the following fantastic Purim titles from ArtScroll:
Megillas Esther: The Answer Is: This brand-new megilla presents over 900 answers to nearly 300 questions, clearly presenting the views of the Alshich, Maharal, Vilna Gaon, Chassidic masters, Rav Chaim Kanievsky, and dozens more. This megillah will help you achieve a better understanding of the story of Purim.
Esther: The Megillah: This is the sefer that launched what was to become ArtScroll. This ground-breaking sefer contains the text of the megillah, English translation, and commentary from 2000 years of talmudic and rabbinic sources.
Let My Nation Live: Learn and understand the Purim story as never before with this fascinating book. While it reads like a story, this book is filled with carefully researched facts based on Talmudic and Medrashic sources. Download a sample chapter here.
The ArtScroll Children’s Megillah: In this edition of Megillas Esther, made especially for children, renowned children’s author, Shmuel Blitz, presents the story of Esther – and its lessons – in a thrilling and exciting manner. This is a great way for your children to learn the Purim story!
To enter the giveaway for all of the above items: Leave a comment on this post letting us know that you would like to win!
**Giveaway ends on Wednesday, March 16th at 11:59 pm eastern time. Winner will receive one copy of Esther: The Megillah, one copy of The ArtScroll Children’s Megillah, one copy of Let My Nation Live, and one copy of Megillas Esther: The Answer Is… Prize does not include food and confetti. Prize can be shipped within the USA. Winner will be chosen randomly and notified via email. Valid email address must be provided to claim prize. Limit one entry per person.
New: Megillas Esther: The Answer Is…
New: Megillas Esther: The Answer Is…

Just in time for Purim comes a new release from the author of the popular Pesach Hagaddah: The Answer Is… Following the popular and clear format of his popular Hagaddah, Rabbi Chagai Vilosky presents a sefer willed with over 900 answers to almost 300 questions about Mordechai, Esther, Achashverosh and the Purim story.
Drawing answers from sources such as the Alshich, Maharal, Vilna Gaon, Chassidic masters, Rav Chaim Kanievsky, and dozens more, Rabbi Volosky helps us uncover the depth of meaning in the megillah’s words. A unique feature of this megillah is the sections on “Divine Providence in Action” which help us understand the hand of G-d hidden behind the words of the megillah.
Click here to purchase your copy or view sample pages.
Click here to shop all Purim titles.
Free Weekly Download: Halachic Handbook: The Laws of Purim
When you think of purim, you might think of fun – parties, costumes and shalach manos. But it’s important to understand the laws and customs of purim as well. Enter The Halachic Handbook: Laws of Purim, . by Rabbi Yitzchok Rosedale. In this handy, pocket-sized volum, the laws of Purim are clearly laid out and explained in a concise and understandable manner.
This week is Parashas Zachor, the shabbos in which we read the Torah portion recounting the war with Amalek. To help you understand the complex laws surrounding this special mitzvah, this week’s free download gives you the chapter on Parashas Zochar. Download it and share it with your friends so they can learn too.
Click here to view, print or download a chapter from Halachic Handbook: The Laws of Purim
Click here to purchase Halachic Handbook: The Laws of Purim
Click here to shop all purim titles
If you enjoyed this free download, your friends will too! Make sure to spread the word using any of the sharing options below.
Weekly Free Download: The Wisdom in the Hebrew Months
Today is Rosh Chodesh Adar – that means Purim is just two weeks away!
Here on The Official ArtScroll Blog, we’ve been helping you prepare for Purim, and today’s free download will continue to help our loyal readers get ready for purim with the chapter about Adar from The Wisdom in the Hebrew Months by Zvi Ryzman.
Classic works of Jewish thought teach that each of the twelve lunar months corresponds to one of the twelve tribes. What do the months and the respective tribes have in common? … The Wisdom in the Hebrew Months opens the door to a new dimension of understanding. Drawing upon the full breadth of Talmudic, Midrashic, and Rabbinic literature, this work sheds new light on the months of the year, the tribes of Israel, and the ways that Hashem relates to His people. It is engrossing, interesting, stimulating, and provocative.
Click here to view, print or Download a sample chapter from The Wisdom in the Hebrew Months.
Click here to purchase The Wisdom in the Hebrew Months
Click here to shop purim titles on ArtScroll.com
ArtScroll’s Ultimate Purim Giveaway!
We’re gearing up for Purim here at ArtScroll, and we’re giving away a selection of Purim titles and gifts for everyone in your family!
ArtScroll’s extensive selection of Purim titles includes megillos for both adults and children, Purim reading and stories, halachic guides, and even Purim themed judaica and mishloach manos items. Make sure to shop now in order to get everything in time for Purim, then scroll down for your chance to win our ultimate Purim gift basket!
The Ultimate Purim Gift Basket Giveaway!
Included in this giveaway:
Esther: The Megillah: This is the sefer that launched what was to become ArtScroll. This ground-breaking sefer contains the text of the megillah, English translation, and commentary from 2000 years of talmudic and rabbinic sources.
Let My Nation Live: Learn and understand the Purim story as never before with this fascinating book. While it reads like a story, this book is filled with carefully researched facts based on Talmudic and Medrashic sources. Download a sample chapter here.
The Family Megillah: x2!! This easy-to-follow edition of Megillas Esther provides the text, translation and short commentary – all in a compact sefer. All of the adults in your family will want to use one of these, so it’s a good thing the winner will be getting two of them!
Halachic Handbook: The Laws of Purim: This pocket-sized sefer contains a clear and concise summary of the laws of Purim in an easy-to-follow, readable format.
The ArtScroll Children’s Megillah: In this edition of Megillas Esther, made especially for children, renowned children’s author, Shmuel Blitz, presents the story of Esther – and its lessons – in a thrilling and exciting manner. This is a great way for your children to learn the Purim story!
Purim Cookie Cutters: ArtScroll carries a full line of Judaica for all seasons and Purim is no exception. With fun paper-goods, mishloach manos gift boxes and lots more, ArtScroll.com is your one-stop-shop for all things Purim! These Purim shaped cookie cutters will make it easy to create adorable Purim-themed cookies!
Purim Confetti: This confetti comes in an assortment of Purim shapes and will make your Purim celebrations a whole lot more fun!
To enter the giveaway for all of the above items in ArtScroll’s Ultimate Purim Package: Leave a comment on this post letting us know that you would like to win!
Giveaway now closed! Check back soon for the winner!
**Giveaway ends on Wednesday, February 25th at 11:59 pm eastern time. Winner will receive one copy of Esther: The Megillah, one copy of Halachic Handbook: The Laws of Purim, one copy of The ArtScroll Children’s Megillah, one copy of Let My Nation Live, two copies of The Family Megillah, one set of Purim Cookie Cutters and one package of Purim Confetti. Prize does not include food and baskets. Prize can be shipped within the USA. Winner will be chosen randomly and notified via email. Valid email address must be provided to claim prize. Limit one entry per person.
Purim With ArtScroll’s Cookbooks: Savory Hamantashen Recipe
With Purim coming up in just a few weeks, Jewish cooks from all over the world are eagerly preparing their purim
Whenever you’re cooking, whether it’s for a Jewish Holiday, a weeknight supper, or anything in between, you’re bound to find the recipe you’re looking for in one of ArtScroll’s top-of-the-line Kosher cookbooks. With Purim coming up in just a few weeks, we figured it’s a good time for the Official ArtScroll Blog to share one of those fabulous recipes: Savory Hamantashen from Fresh and Easy by Leah Schapira. Traditional sweet hamantashen are great, but these Savory Hamantaschen, with their delicious dipping sauce, make a great appetizer for your Purim Seudah!
Looking for other hamantashen ideas? These crafty hamantashen from Crafting Jewish are a great mishloach manot container!
Savory Hamantaschen
Recipe from Fresh and Easy Kosher Cooking by Leah Schapira. Copyright ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications.
Click here to download a printable version of Savory Hamentashen on The Official ArtScroll Blog
Ingredients:
4 (10-inch circles) frozen malawah dough
2 tbsp honey
3 cloves garlic
1 full tbsp salt
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp apple juice
3 chicken cutlets, cubed
¼ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
oil, for frying
Apricot Dipping Sauce
1 cup apricot jam
2 tbsp mustard
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine honey, garlic, salt, soy sauce, and apple juice. Marinate chicken in mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes. Add the diced red pepper.
- Remove malawah dough from freezer to begin defrosting.
- When dough has slightly defrosted (approximately 10 minute after removing from freezer), use a cookie cutter to cut out 2º-inch circles. Defrost circles for an additional 5 minutes. Using a rolling pin or pressing down with your hands, roll the dough circles slightly until they are 3Ω inches wide.
- Place a heaping teaspoonful of chicken mixture into the center of each circle. Pinch the edges together to form a hamentash.
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet or frying pan. Add hamentashen to pan, filled side down. Fry over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through or until golden (the heat needs to be low enough so the chicken is cooked before the dough browns).
- To prepare dipping sauce, add all ingredients to a bowl and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Serve hamentashen warm with dipping sauce.
Click here to purchase Fresh and Easy Kosher Cooking
Click here to shop ArtScroll cookbooks.
Weekly Free Download: Let My Nation Live
Purim is coming up sooner than you think, and it’s time to start preparing. ArtScroll has a large selection of purim titles, including Megillos, Purim reading, and purim books and megillos for children.
One of our best-selling Purim titles is Let My Nation Live by Yosef Deutch. Presenting the miracle of Purim in story form, Let My Nation Live is an excellent way to gain an understanding and appreciation for the thrilling story, the struggles and triumphs, and the miracles portrayed in Megillas Esther. Based on sources from the Talmud, the Medrash and classic commentaries, this fascinating book will give you an appreciation for the purim story like never before.
Get ready for rosh chodesh adar by reading the first chapter of this great book – for free!
Click here to view, print or download a chapter from Let My Nation Live.
Click here to purchase a copy of Let My Nation Live.
Click here for all Purim titles.
Click here to shop ArtScroll’s extensive selection of Purim Judaica.
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