Nach:

Daniel,  General 

History:

Bayit Sheni,  Period of Tanach 

Machshava:

Anti-Semitism,  Galut,  Geulah,  History,  Mashiach,  Non-Jews,  Pesach 

Gemara:

Pesachim,  Sanhedrin 

Halacha:

Avodah Zarah,  Ayin Harah,  Kiddush Hashem 

Parsha:

Va'era 

References: Pesachim: 53B,  Sanhedrin: 93A 

Description

Contrasting the two statues. Nevuchadnetzar's goals, political and magical. The invite list, and whom they represent. Three central themes: kiddush Hashem, anti-Semitic lashon hara / hate speech, and the national symbolism of surviving the fire. Inspiration drawn from the tzefardeya / frogs, crocodiles. Where Chananya, Mishael and Azarya went, and where Daniel had gone. Three simultaneous perspectives; sod ha-hashgacha and the lesson of the superlative value of kiddush Hashem.