Why Wasn’t Mordechai Worried About Lifnei Iver [Creating a Stumbling Block]
The Gemara in Megillah (12a) (according to Rashi) darshens from above pasuk that Haman and Mordechai were the waiters at the feast. The question is, how could Mordechai agree to do such a thing, surely by serving drinks at such a meal he was causing Klal Yisroel to stumble? Mordechai himself warned them not to attend the feast, so how could it be that he would serve them and cause them to stumble?
R’ Chaim Kanievsky (Tama Dekra) answers: Mordechai wanted to be in charge, in order that he would be able to guard the wine, and make sure it was kosher, and wasn’t poured for avodah zorah or the like. He also wanted to ensure that there were no problems of bishul akum [food being cooked by a non-Jew] and pas akum [bread baked by a non-Jew], therefore, he helped out, in order that he would be able to start the fire in the kitchen. He did the best he could to save them from issur. The Maharsha says a very similar peshat.
The Maharsha, however, argues with Rashi and learns that Mordechai wasn’t a waiter, according to the Maharsha there is no question on Mordechai.
