Pessah
נמצאו 56 תוצאות חיפוש
Counting the Omer, or Eating the Omer
Rabbi Menachem Leibtagתאריך פרסום: תשע"ב | |
While the Hebrew word ‘omer’ is usually associated with something that is ‘counted’, we will trace the few instances when the word ‘omer’ appears in the Bible to show how it consistently refers to a special measure of grain. In light of our discussion, we will uncover the deeper thematic connection between ‘counting the Omer’ and our commemoration of the events at Mt. Sinai.
Shmot 12: The Hidden World of Korban Pesach
Rabbi David Fohrmanתאריך פרסום: תשע"ג | | שעה ו- 18 דקות
There seems to be a disconnect between the book of Bereisheet and the book of Shemot. After reading narratives about families in Bereisheet, we begin the book of Shemot to find Bnei Yisrael enslaved. How do the two books fit together? We contend that they indeed fit together in a profound way. We explore this as we examine linguistic and literary devices in the passages detailing Korban Pesach.
Divine Therapy at the Red Sea
Rabbi Elchanan SametThe Splitting of the Sea has a dual purpose: the explicit purpose involves the Egyptians, and the implicit purpose involves Am Yisrael. This conclusion stems from a literary analysis of the episode, which includes two parallel parts.
The Korban Pesach - Sacrifice or Feast?
Prof. Jonathan GrossmanThe Pessach God commands the nation to bring in Egypt includes various sacrificial elements - but one of the essential elements of a sacrifice - an altar - is absent. This essay posits that the homes of Bnei Yisrael were made into an altar for the purpose of sacrificing the Pessach. This supposition sheds light on the function of the Pessach sacrifice in this parasha and throughout Tanach.
The Song of David
Chapter 22
Rabbi Amnon BazakIn his song, David describes the hand of God, which accompanied him throughout his life and helped him succeed in his wars and battleד. David thanks God, and reinforces the educational message that walking in the path of God leads to success. The song reappears in Psalm 18. This lesson will compare the two songs.
The House of Bondage (Audio)
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 22 דקותYetziat Mizrayim(The Exodus from Egypt) parallels “Yetziat Sodom”(the Exodus from Sodom) in the time of Lot. Lot had the compassion of Abraham, but tragedy resulted when he could not break out of his “Sedom identity.” The challenge of the doorpost for Pesach Mitzrayim is for Bnei Yisrael — will they trust in God’s command? Can they break with their Egyptian identities and become God’s people?
The Hand of Moshe and the Hand of God
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 33 דקותDo Moshe’s hands really determine the battle outcome? This shiur offers a three part comparison among the events Amalek War, Masa u-Meriva, and Yam Suf. The people have a crisis of faith –will God save them again? At Yam Suf, the people were supposed to passively watch, but when they have to act, will they also recognize God’s Hand?
Crossing the Yarden - The Theme of Passage
Rabbi Michael HattinThis lesson compares the crossing of the Yarden with its most obvious parallel, the crossing of Yam Suf. In both incidents the crossing is not merely physical but existential - crossing into freedom leaving the slave masters of Egypt behind for good and forty years later crossing out of the nomadic lives of the wilderness into the settled life of Eretz Yisrael. Similarly, Avraham and Yaakov cross waters marking significant changes in their lives. While many similarities exist between the crossing of Yam Suf and the Yarden, the many differences between the two episodes highlight the stage of development the nation is in during each episode.
Chapter 5: The Rite of Circumcision at the Yarden
Rabbi Michael HattinThis lesson discusses the rite of circumcision the nation undergoes after crossing into the Promised Land. The Covenant of Circumcision is reviewed from its inception in the time of Avraham, as background for understanding the timing of circumcision upon entering the land, as a parallel to the circumcision in Egypt.
Chapter 5 Conclusion: Circumcision and the Land of Canaan
Rabbi Michael HattinThis lesson will focus on the wider ramifications of the mass circumcision performed by the people of Israel immediately after they had crossed the Yarden. We will carefully consider the startling Biblical admission that the rite had not been performed in the forty years since the people had left Egypt, and will link the people's negation of the practice with their Divinely-imposed estrangement from Canaan.
Chapter 5 Finale: The Paschal Lamb, the Manna, and the Termination of Sefer Yehoshua's First Section
Rabbi Michael HattinThis lesson continues the discussion about circumcision by investigating the people's failure to practice circumcision during the sojourn in the wilderness. We will also consider their fulfillment of the Pessah Sacrifice, the cessation of the miraculous manna, and the mysterious appearance of the 'Angel of God' at the conclusion of Chapter 5.
The Angel of the Lord and the Battle of Yericho
Rabbi Michael HattinThis lesson will discuss the appearance of God’s angel on the eve of the conquest wars. Yehoshua’s discussion with the angel will be compared to Moshe’s revelation in the Burning Bush, including the command to both to remove their shoes. The sanctity of the land that Yehoshua stands on - Eretz Canaan - demands that despite the upcoming warfare, the people and their victorious armies must never lose site of the land's sanctity, of a man's inherent worth, of the vision of a better world in which warfare is outdated and killing obsolete.
The Speed of Redemption
Rabbi Alex Israel | 41 דקותCentral to Parashat Bo are the the unique Pesach Mitzrayim rituals, such as painting doorposts with lamb’s blood, carried out during the night of the Plague of the Firstborn. What is the purpose of Pesach Mitzrayim? After exploring the respective commentaries of Rambam and Rashi on the meaning and symbolism behind the rituals, we arrive at a message about the need to invest ourselves in the redemption process
Macharat Hashabbat: Holiness and Time in Sefer Vayikra
Rabbi Chanoch Waxmanתאריך פרסום: תש"ע | |
What does the phrase "macharat hashabbat" mean? Many commentaries attempt to answer this question, which has important implications regarding the observance date of the holiday of Shavuot. However, by carefully examining the texts in Vayikra, we gain an understanding of the connection between Shavuot and the concept of Shabbat, signifying dependency on Hashem. We also gain deeper insights into the two aspects of meeting with Hashem - both in place and time.
How to Save Israel
Rabbi Ezra BickWhy is Moshe so reluctant to speak to the Jewish people while they were enslaved in Egypt, and begin the process of the exodus? Moshe understands that his task entails more than merely informing the Jewish people that they are about to leave Egypt, but rather he must free the Jewish people from the psychological state of enslavement and dependency that they have sunk to. By closely examining the text as a whole, we can understand how every part of the exodus is meant to encourage that inner process of spiritual liberation within the Jewish nation.
Representing God or Representing Israel
Rabbi Ezra BickThe ten plagues are divided into two parshiot - the first seven in parshat Va'era and the last three in parshat Bo. Is this merely a division of convenience, or is there an important distinction between these two groups of plagues? By closely examining the text surrounding each of the final three plagues, one can gain an understanding of the shift in Moshe's mission. God wants Moshe's personal involvement, and he switches Moshe's role from the representative of the Jewish people, speaking in God's name, to the representative of God Himself.
Rejoining the Community
Rabbi David Fohrman |The purification of the Metzora is linked with Korban Pessah; only through these two processes can one become fully alive and part of the community. Want to see more videos like this? Check out https://www.alephbeta.org/
The Young Moshe
Rabbi Mosheh LichtensteinMoshe's young adult life in Midyan is a mystery to us. The Torah does not tell us very much about Moshe's life there; the next mention of his life is when he returns to Egypt at the age of eighty. Why is the Torah strangely silent about all those years of Moshe's life, mid-narrative? The lack of noteworthy events is itself an event - one of withdrawal and seclusion. Moshe's disappearance and silence following his escape to Midyan tell us that he secluded himself in a crisis of morality and justice. It is only following this seclusion that Moshe is able to be extracted from his solitary existence and returned to the sphere of action on the historical-national level.
Two Groups of Plagues: The Difference Between Va'era and Bo
Rabbi Mosheh LichtensteinThe division of the plagues between Parshat Va'era and Parshat Bo is very significant, representing the different goals of each set of plagues. In Parshat Va'era, the struggle between Moshe and Pharaoh relates to the recognition of God, and it is toward this objective that the plagues are directed. In Parshat Bo, on the other hand, the goal of the plagues is to take Israel out of Egypt. By examining these two goals alongside the haftarot of the two parshiot, we can understand these distinctions in a much deeper way, and appreciate the destiny of Israel as a nation that it will not be utterly destroyed, but rather that it will survive as God's people.
Pesach Mitzrayim - A Commitment to God
Rabbi Moshe AbermanWhat was the purpose of the Pesach Mitzrayim? Why was a sacrifice called for proceeding the exodus from Egypt? And why did the Pesach Mitzrayim require all the various preparatory stages unique to Pesach Mitzrayim (which are not practised for Pesach Dorot)? Midrashic sources such as the Mekhilta and the Midrash Lekach Tov respond to these questions and raise other ones. We arrive at an understanding of the purpose of the unique features of Pesach Mitzrayim: to identify with the God of Israel; to break ties with Egyptian culture and strengthen the Israelite identity.
By the Virtue of Righteous Women
Rabbi Yaakov MedanAs learned in the laws of Pesach, women participated in the miracle of Pesach in an active manner, and not merely as “people who were redeemed”. How were women connected to the deliverance of Israel? As we can see by examining the text, although Moshe was the key figure in the exodus from Egypt, Moshe’s actions were undoubtedly influenced by those righteous women who surrounded him from the moment of his birth – righteous women by whose virtue the people of Israel were delivered.
The Number of Plagues in Egypt
Rabbi Dr. Tamir GranotThere is a Tannaitic dispute in the Pesach Haggada regarding the number of plagues that were inflicted on the Egyptians. Is this merely an informative question, or is it a fundamental question regarding the number of plagues and its significance? Where does the "ten" come from regarding the ten plagues? How does the book of Psalms count and describe the plagues? Why are the plagues divided into groups of three? Is there a natural connection between the second and third plagues?
Commemorating the Exodus from Egypt
Rabbi Michael HattinIn Jewish history, certainly in Biblical history, the defining moment is the Exodus from Egypt. It is this passage from slavery to liberation that marks the birth of the nation of Israel and heralds their entry onto the stage of world history. For that reason, the pivotal episode is writ large and often upon the pages of Jewish tradition. By exploring the many ceremonies and rituals commemorating the Exodus, we can learn about its more fundamental goal of describing God's relationship to the world – His power, His knowledge and His involvement, and about the power of mitzvot in general as the pivotal elements in guiding our lives towards moral meaning and spiritual substance.
Moshe: National Leader and Divine Representative
Rabbi Yair KahnThe story of the beginning of Moshe's leadership in the beginning of sefer Shemot seems to be interrupted by the list of the family lineage of Moshe and Aharon, which seems entirely out of place. However, a close examination of the verses in question will reveal a sharp difference regarding the role of Moshe Rabbeinu, as described at the beginning and the end of the chapter, and Moshe's lineage is critical specifically for the role described at the end. By noticing these differences we can gain a new understanding about Moshe's leadership and his unique role as the representative of God.
Choosing to be Redeemed
Rabbi Dr. Yehuda BrandesOne of the values embedded in the many commandments that commemorate Yetziat Mitzrayim, is the education toward choosing to be included in those who view themselves as redeemed, and not among those who grumble and complain.
Why Did Moshe Mislead Pharaoh?
Rabbi Elchanan SametWhy did God command Moshe to purposely mislead Pharaoh by requesting that he free the nation of Israel for only three days? Many explanations are suggested, some within the category of apologetic commentary, and another interpretation dealing with the nature of negotiation.
The Exodus from Egypt as a Social Revolution
Rabbi Meir Lichtensteinתאריך פרסום: תש"ע | |
Why is the Exodus a cornerstone of our identity as Jews? What was so important about the transformation that Am Yisrael underwent during the Exodus and in the desert? By going back to the stories in Sefer Bereishit and examining the nature of society, we can see many examples of what it means to be a self-sufficient civilization, disconnected from God, morals, and ethical principles. The experience of the Exodus is meant to teach us how to revolutionize a society, and how to build a civilization while simultaneously always standing before God.
The Length of the Sojourn in Egypt
Rabbi Michael HattinHow many years was Am Yisrael's slavery in Egypt? The Torah's stated period of four hundred and thirty years is difficult to corroborate, for elsewhere the Torah indicates that the period of enslavement could not possibly have extended for so long. The commentaries strive to reconcile this number with the rest of the chronology that the Torah provides concerning this event. However, if we begin the count with Avraham's initial journey from his birthplace of Ur, we can realize that the story of the descent to Egypt and the enslavement is thus recast as part of a much larger matrix, one that is characterized by the unsettled state of wandering and homelessness. His life of trust, of trial and of eventual triumph is thus reflected in the lives of his descendents, who eventually emerge from the crucible of Egypt as a nation.
The Uniqueness of the Korban Pesach
Rabbi Amnon BazakWhat is the nature of the Korban Pessah? Is it a sacrifice or perhaps a festive meal? If it is considered a sacrifice, what type of sacrifice is it? Why does it need to be eaten quickly? By examining this korban, we can learn about its unique dual nature representing the presence of God.
The House of Bondage
Rabbi Chanoch WaxmanYetziat Mizrayim parallels “Yetziah Sodom” in the time of Lot. Lot had the compassion of Abraham, but tragedy resulted when he could not break out of his “Sedom identity.” The challenge of the doorpost for Pesach Mitzrayim is for Bnei Yisrael — will they trust in God’s command? Can they break with their Egyptian identities and become God’s people?
Who is Targeted by the Theological Display of the Plagues in Egypt?
Dr. Brachi ElitzurMoshe must lead the nation in a process of building faith in God, and the means that was chosen in order to fulfill this theological mission is Pharaoh. Pharaoh's starting point, his stubbornness, and his refusal to view the wonders that are occurring before his very eyes as proof of the existence of a God who rules over creation, are what make him a perfect model for the building of the nation's faith, layer by layer. Pharaoh's gradual acknowledgment of God leads to a parallel process of the building of faith amongst his spectators - Am Yisrael.
The "Borrowing" of Vessels from the Egyptians
Rabbi Elchanan SametHow could Am Yisrael "borrow" vessels from Egypt, with no intention of returning them? Through examining the various answers to this question, we see that Medieval exegesis on the borrowing of the vessels adopts a stridently apologetic approach, while other commentators deal with the question from an entirely different perspective.
“Who Passed Over the Houses of the Children of Israel”
Rabbi Yaakov MedanDid God smite the Egyptian firstborns on His own, or through an angel? What does it mean that God passed over the houses of Israel? A simple reading of the text suggests that God’s “passing over” means that He refrained from taking action. When God smote the firstborn of Egypt, He refrained from harming the firstborn of Israel. However, we may actually suggest that God passed over them in the sense that His Shekhina hovered over them. The act of destruction He handed over to an agent, But God was not prepared to hand over to an agent the task of protecting His firstborn son, Israel.
Parshat Bo
Rabbi Menachem LeibtagAlready four hundred years before the Exodus, Pessah was celebrated in the city of Sdom! According to Rashi, Lot baked matzot, because his guests arrived on Pesach. At first glance, this statement seems rather absurd, for what possible meaning could there be in commemorating an event which had not yet taken place! While examining the purpose and significance of the Korban Pesach, we uncover the fundamental biblical theme of "Yom Hashem". This theme helps us understand the relationship between the destruction of Sdom and the process of Yetziat Mitzraim.
Parshat Beshalach
Rabbi Menachem LeibtagBnei Yisrael gloriously depart Egypt, expecting a short journey to the Land of Israel. To their surprise, they encounter instead situations of frightening war, terrible hunger, and life-threatening thirst. Are Bnei Yisrael expected not to complain; to passively accept this fate, to wait patiently for God's salvation? Is God simply 'testing' their patience? In order to answer these questions we explore the purpose of the Exodus from Egypt as a process of building trust in God. During the six week period after the Exodus, Bnei Yisrael encounter several traumatic experiences and changes in daily routine which help transform their instinctive physical dependence on Egypt to their instinctive physical dependence on God.
An Epic View of Jewish Holidays
Parashat Emor
Rabbi David Fohrman |Parashat Emor outlines the holidays, with two major interruptions: the laws of the omer offering, and the agricultural laws of pe'ah and leket. Why do these two pieces invade the laws of holidays, and what does that teach us about the epic Biblical approach to holidays? Want to see more videos like this? Check out https://www.alephbeta.org/
The Spiritual Process of the Holidays
Rabbi Eliezer MelamedChametz, Matza and the Altar of God: Between Becoming and Being
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | שעה ו- 8 דקותWhy are chametz, seor (leavened matter), and honey prohibited from being placed on the altar? Using the Literary Theological Method, we explore the symbolism of chametz, matza, and honey throughout the Chumash in order to shed some light on this question, leading us to a deeper understanding of potentiality and actuality, and of the nature of korbanot.
Tehillim Book 4 - The Roadmap of Jewish History
Rabbi Yitzchak Twerskyתאריך פרסום: תשע"ה | | שעה ו- 10 דקות
In this shiur we examine what the fourth section of Tehillim is all about. Along the way, we discuss why we don’t mention Moshe in the Haggada on seder night and we gain insights into the readings of Kabbalat Shabbat. We follow the premise that the five books of Tehillim parallel the five books of the Torah.
God's Knock on Avraham's Door
Rabbi David SilverbergThe Exodus of Lot and the Exodus of Bnei Yisrael
Midrashic Setting of Yitzhak's Blessings to his Sons: Pesach or Rosh HaShana
Rabbi David SilverbergAt Midnight: Yaakov's Escape from Lavan and Israel's Exodus from Egypt
Rabbi David SilverbergThe Matza Mystery - The Meaning of the Command to Eat Matza Prior to the Exodus
Rabbi Yair Kahnתאריך פרסום: תשע"ג | |
Sefer Shemot describes how Bnei Yisrael baked matza as they were being rushed out of Egypt because they didn't have time to wait for the leavening process in bread. But there was already a law about matza that appeared in the instructions before the Pesach in Egypt. - that Bnei Yisrael were to eat the lamb with matza and maror. Why are Bnei Yisrael commanded to eat matza for Pesach Mitzrayim-- what is the symbolism for the matza before Bnei Yisrael left in haste? We find clues in earlier chapters in Shemot as well as in the Brit Bein HaBetarim (Covenant Between the Parts) that present the matza as paralleling two different parts of the exodus. Multiple aspects of the matza experience are important in commemorating the Exodus, as the matza may symbolize the enslavement, oppression (innuy), and redemption.
Remembering the Exodus from Egypt
Rabbi Meir SpiegelmanThe Torah commands us to celebrate, for all generations, the day of our exodus from Egypt. When are we to celebrate this festival? It turns out that the answer to this question differs from parasha to parasha, depending on where it appears. In some places the "festival of Pesach" is attached to the date upon which it fell (14th or 15th of Nissan), while in others the date is noted according to the season (in the "month of spring"). What is the nature of the dual dating of the Pesach festival?
Through an examination of the text we notice that the two dates of Pesach correspond to the two perspectives regarding the sanctity of time – that of Bnei Yisrael and that of God.
Parashat Bo: From Passive to Active
Rabbi Alex Israel | 32 דקותParashat Bo takes an exciting twist: we finally see Bnei Yisrael act. Egypt now knows that God is sovereign and Bnei Yisrael are almost ready to go. Throughout the process, Bnei Yisrael have been marignialized, but suddenly they are asked to do something: they are to prepare for The Plague of the Firstborn, and are given a set of instructions to prepare for the Pesach ritual in Egypt- a Pesach characterized by anticipation and tension rather than remembrance of future generations.
Suddenly Bnei Yisrael turn from passive to active. This is a dramatic shift- and why is it here? Why are Bnei Yisrael commanded to act?
Did they need this? We explore various possibilities and suggest that they need to bring themselves into a different state in order to make themselves worthy of coming out of Eypt - and worthy of redemption - in an absolute way.Parashat HaShavua Emor - Regalim
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbellתאריך פרסום: תשע"ו | | 23 דקות
The festivals mentioned in the Torah are central and multifaceted, mentioned a number of times in key places. In our parasha, Parashat Emor, the element at the forefront appears to be the unique mitzvot of every moed(holiday). This shiur attempts to tie in that unique commandment of each regel to the element that seems to be missing from our parasha: how Am Yisrael relate to the Mikdash on the regalim.
Hizkiyahu's Pesach and Yeshayahu's Prophecies
Rabbi Menachem Leibtag | 51 דקותAmid the looming threat of Assyria, Hizkiyahu prepares to commemorate a national Pesach sacrifice and festival on a grand scale, inviting those from the other Israelite tribes, as well. We analyze the chapters and background of this monumental event, and look at Hazal's praise and criticism of various aspects of Hizkiyahu's choices. Was Hizkiyahu's unusual (and belated) Pesach a good thing? And where does Yeshayahu fit in? It was a fine thing for Hizkiyahu to inspire the people to greater religious involvement and revival. But ritual alone is not enough. It is Yeshayahu's task to remind the people that the religious involvement at Pesach needs to be taken to the next step - implementing the social commandments to build an ethical society.
The Laws of Sacrifices
Rabbi Dr. Yoel Bin NunWhat is the role of the Kohen when it comes to bringing sacrifices? Through a close examination of the text we can understand the goal of the Kohanim as the teachers of Am Yisrael, and how this relates to the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot.
Pesach vs. Sukkot - The Freedom of Matzot
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 20 דקותWhen we compare Pesach to Sukkot, we find an interesting phenomenon: they both seem to be holidays lasting seven days, but whereas Sukkot involves actively dwelling in the Sukka for seven days, Pesach is different. There is one packed night of Pesach, followed by seven days of passively avoiding leavened bread. There seems to be no specific requirement of activity. Is this really the way the "festival of freedom" is meant to be? How does the concept of "cheirut" (freedom) fit in, and must we have a second look at the instructions surrounding Pesach?
The Meaning of Shavuot and its Unique Offering
Rabbi Dr. Yoel Bin NunWhile Pesach and Shavuot are linked by the counting of the Omer, they differ radically in their relationship to chametz and matza: on Pesach chametz is forbidden and matza is compulsory, while on Shavuot we offer two loaves of chametz. How are we to understand this? A proper explanation of the significance of chametz and matza, analyzing the various sources that appear in the Torah, shows that these are all details of a complete, unified system.
Pesach and Sukkot, the Mishkan and the Mikdash
Rabbi Amnon BazakWe find in the Torah two distinct calendar systems. On the one hand, the Torah explicitly establishes that the year begins with the month of Nissan: "This month shall be for you the first of the months; it is for you the first of the months of the year" (Shemot 12:1).
The occasion of Yom Kippur, though, marks the "new year" of the yovel (Vayikra 25:9-10). And yet, the Torah also speaks of the festival of Sukkot as occurring "when the year ends" (Exodus 23:16), and requires conducting the hakhel ceremony "at the end of seven years, at the time of the shemitta year, on the festival of Sukkot" (Deuteronomy 31:10).
What exactly is the nature of this calendar, and how does it relate to the calendar that begins with Nissan? How can we view the festival of Sukkot as marking the end of the year, if Yom Kippur signifies the beginning of the year? This point also bears relevance regarding the relationship between the Mishkan and the Beit Ha-Mikdash.
The dedication of the Mishkan took place on the first of Nissan –the onset of the "historical" new year (Shemot 40:17). The dedication of the Temple, by contrast, took place in the month of Tishrei, during the festival of Sukkot (I Melakhim 8:1-2,65). How might this be explained?
The Mishkan and the Mikdash express different perspectives with regard to Am Yisrael's position in the world. The Mishkan represents a temporary condition. The Beit Ha-Mikdash expresses stability.
Why Does Land Have To Rest?
Parshat Behar
Rabbi David Fohrman |We talked last week about seeing shabbat in different worlds. But how do we understand, conceptually, what this means? In this week's video, we look at Pesach, Shmita and Yovel and ask, where do we see Shabbat, and why does it matter?
If you enjoyed this video, please visit AlephBeta.org to watch more.“And They Did” - Between Obedience and Creativity
Rabbanit Dr. Michal TikochinskyParshat Bo Part 4: The Paschal Lamb: In Egypt and for Future Generations
Dr. Yael Ziegler | 36 דקותThis podcast discusses Pesach Mitzrayim and Pesach Dorot, as well as the commandment of the Korban Pesach, all of which are meant to help Bnei Yisrael define their relationship with God and separate themselves from Egyptian culture.
Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Ben Zoma’s Homily – An upheaval in Jewish law and ideology
Rabbanit Dr. Michal Tikochinsky