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.
What is it about the number four that so often connotes negativity and physicality? Rabbi Lopiansky discusses this first attempt at expansion, and analyzes when this moving beyond self can be a negative or positive act, depending on a connection with the original source. An excellent class that helps shed light on the fours of Pesach, and Parshas HaChodesh.
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.
At this time of year which is called Shovevim, it is especially propitious to work on leading even holier lives, sanctifying every aspect of our engagement with the materialistic world. This week Rabbi Wagensberg discusses how the 10 shperot are basically different ways which teach us the importance of living a life of purity. PS - there are lots of great Passover Seder material in this talk.
For most of us, it is very challenging, if not impossible, to make positive change in the most difficult aspects of our lives and yet there are certain times throughout the Jewish year which are propitious for starting over again and accomplishing these goals. In this fascinating talk, Rabbi Wagensberg shares with us how the month of Nissan is the absolute greatest time for rejuvenation. In this lecture, we will find out the striking difference between the nations of the world and the Jewish people and what God's expectations are of each, which like a beautiful tapestry, will prepare us for the upcoming mitzvah - birchas ha-chama, this year on the eve of Passover. A real must, which will also shed light on what Kiddush levana is during the rest of the year.
There are many questions that revolve around why “Sefer Vayikra” needs to be read in shul before Pesach. One of the many dilemmas discussed are: when a year has two Adars, in which month won’t Purim happen? Another highlight of this class is how the Egyptians brought upon themselves the ten plagues - mida–keneged–mida.Great moments of drama for Layil Ha-seder.
24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva died during the 33 days between Pesach and Lag b'Omer. During this mourning period we attempt to correct the reason for their deaths. Hear the significance of their passing during the period of counting the Omer towards Kaballas HaTorah. Learn why honoring the Torah has more importance than just accepting it.