Davening on Taanis Esther or Purim - Which is more mesugal, which the more auspicious time?

 In recent years there have been many advertisements and much promotion of the idea that the day of Purim is an especially auspicious time for prayer, with some even claiming or implying that one can daven then for anything with success guaranteed, whatever that means (one can daven to win the powerball lottery and be guaranteed to do so??).

Interestingly, though, I noticed this year something a bit different, being promoted by the Vaad Harabbanim charity organization recently. They are promoting Taanis Esther, rather than Purim, as the special day for davening. Below is an image of their poster promoting it. 

The passage of the sefer Kav Hayashar on which their poster is based, can be seen in context in that work here (starting with the top line of the page).

So which is it?

The Hassidic seforim seem to be promoting Purim day, while the Kav Hayashar is promoting the day before.

If I would have to pick one, I would take the latter.

Interesting.

The Artscroll Revolution - The other new Artscroll video

The world renowned Artscroll publishers recently put out a video featuring their forthcoming, biezras Hashem, electronic Schottenstein version of the gemara, which has gotten much publicity online, and rightfully so.

However, they also just put out another video as well, which is also quite interesting, about 'The Artscroll revolution', in conjunction with their recent dinner, which seems to have gotten a lot less attention.

It can be see here.

Enjoy!

Zayin Adar confusion on Litvishe Yeshiva calendar

Along the lines of a previous post here, I noticed on the calendar of a certain Litvishe Yeshiva the following words for today, ז' אדר. It states הילולא דמשה רבינו ע"ה, following which come the words תענית צדיקים. Interestingly, this Yeshiva is considered quite Litvish. And yet it has such a Hassidic formulation, rather than just writing that it is Moshe Rabbeinu's yahrzeit.

They write הילולא. Hillulah? Are they having a party, a special seudah for the day, with dancing and music (interestingly, even Hassidim, who are usually into celebrating yahrzeits, don't seem to do that today. Anyone know why?)? And then they immediately follow that with the words תענית צדיקים. I have difficulty understanding having both taanis and hillulah for the same day. I would think it is either one or the other.

It may seem like a small matter, but it is important. I assume that perhaps someone from the office staff, who might not have been aware of the import of the words, put them in, rather than a Rosh Yeshiva, who might have realized that that terminology didn't fit with the Yeshiva's tradition.  Hopefully future editions will be corrected.