Haman Had It ALL—But ONE thing made it “Worth Nothing”

In this Jewish Inspiration Podcast episode (Rosh Chodesh Adar), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the deeper meaning of Purim through Haman’s character and the Talmudic hint connecting him to the Tree of Knowledge in Genesis (“Hamin ha’etz” = Haman’s letters). Haman had everything—wealth, power, the king’s ring, family, universal bowing—yet one Jew (Mordechai) refusing to bow made it all “worth nothing” to him.

This mirrors Adam and Eve: they had everything in Eden except one tree—yet focused only on what they lacked, leading to disaster. The flaw of humanity is looking outside (coveting what others have) instead of inside (recognizing Hashem’s perfect gifts). Jealousy (Lo Tachmod)—the last of the Ten Commandments—directly opposes the first (“Anochi Hashem Elokecha”): coveting denies Hashem’s plan for you.

Key to Adar joy (Mishenichnas Adar marbim b’simcha): Look inside—Alef-Dar (“the Master resides within you”). Hashem gives exactly what you need; when you recognize this, joy increases. Stop comparing; maximize your unique gifts. The month of Adar is about internal revelation of Hashem’s goodness—complaining fades when we see He’s in control and provides perfectly.

The rabbi urges gratitude for life’s blessings (health, family, livelihood) and practical joy: stop coveting, embrace your portion, and live with awe of Hashem’s constant gifts.

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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky Botvin

Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on January 5, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on February 19, 2026
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This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.
Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.
We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)

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Share your questions at [email protected] or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  
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About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: [email protected]

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Listen More
Other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 

• NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodes
• Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org
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Keywords:
#JewishInspiration, #Purim, #Adar, #Joy, #Haman, #tencommandments, #Jealousy, #Jewish, #Happiness

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