How many plagues did the Egyptians suffer at the Red Sea, and why in the world does it matter? The Jewish experience was far more pleasant, as each tribe traveled a separate path with food and drink provided from the walls on the way. Rabbi Geller looks at the three main objects we must be aware of during the Seder - Pesach, Matzah, and Marror and why they are so crucial to the Passover story.
The end of the Haggadah looks at our religion compared to other cultures and beliefs. Each generation of the world found gods or ideals they thought they could rely on. We as Jews know that the One G-d is the Ultimate deity. This value has made us search for depth in life no matter how much it seems we have. Rabbi Geller wraps up this series with a fascinating understanding of the beautiful songs at the end of the Haggadah.
If you thought matzah was just a flat, dried out, bumpy, boring piece of bread - think again. Rabbi Ari Kahn takes you down 'Matzah Lane' to show you some of its many hidden wonders - between the holes. The first mention of matzah in the Bible defines its essence, and from there the lessons and wisdom begin to rise from this tasteless, but nourishing symbol of the Jewish People's exodus from Egypt.
Why does it state in the Hagaddah to invite 'all those who are hungry come and eat' - after we've begun the seder? Why do we wash our hands - without reciting the customary blessing? And how can we be commanded to feel as though we personally left Egypt while still in our comfortable homes instead of marching through a parched desert? Join Rabbi Kahn for answers to these and many other questions about the strange and unusual customs of Seder night. A light and humorous talk with lots of ideas to keep all the 'kids' awake and involved.
Shiur Four, and part one of the twelve Simonim of Seder night includes, Kiddush, washing hands for Karpas, breaking the matza of Afikoman, Magid and the Mitzvah of eating Matza.
Shiur Five, and part two of the twelve Simonim of Seder night includes, the Lamdus on the Marror, Korech, Hallel and the Machlokes of when to eat the Afikoman.
This Pesach, don't just recite the Haggadah - dig a bit between the lines to spot its sparkling pearls of wisdom. The genius of its organization demonstrates a masterful educational tool for children, and how its bottomless well of wisdom can intrigue any student of wisdom to stay the night mining its treasures and mysteries.
The Chasam Sofer’s peirush on the Haggadah is quite deep, but still understandable. Rabbi Rosenblum illustrates this by using certain words that we say on Seder night and explains the meaning they convey. Hear many excellent short ideas you can say over at the Seder table.
If you usually skip over parsha talks, give a listen to Rabbi Wagensberg! His dynamic style gives an exciting twist to each week's parsha, often coming from a new vantage point.
The primary message of Pesach seems to contradict itself at its core. While we trumpet the call to freedom from slavery, is it not apparent that we have merely traded one master for another? And isn't Torah observance, which many consider servitude, part and parcel of the redemption? Hear a powerful message from an excellent speaker of how the Torah intertwines freedom and responsibility.