Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Passover/Pesach With Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

These Gemara teachings focus on the Passover Seder. They feature an in-depth study of the Talmudic analysis of our Sages on key components of the Pesach Night rituals. _______________________ Tractate Pesachim, Perek Arvai-Pesachim, Page - 116a "THE CURIOUS CHILD" opens the study of a new Mishna. Here we will learn about the importance of Stimulating Questions, and actively Engaging Conversations! Our opening encounter is with a pouring of wine that serves whet curiosity and elicit amazement; thereby causing questions about complex carbohydrates, proteins, and exceptional eating habits. In this Episode, we will learn to appreciate how the Seder was designed to facilitate effective intergenerational communication. Our Sages also understood that we would best ensure continuity by ordaining disgraceful beginnings and glorious endings! This Mishna provides exceptional insight as to the order of the Seder proceedings, keenly enhances our appreciation for the way it was all so carefully choreographed! This Episode joins a growing collection of classes on Perek Arvia Pesachim, the 10th chapter of this Holiday Tractate. This chapter's primary focus is The Passover Seder and its unique ritual observances.

These Gemara teachings focus on the Passover Seder. They feature an in-depth study of the Talmudic analysis of our Sages on key components of the Pesach Night rituals. _______________________ Tractate Pesachim, Perek Arvai-Pesachim, Page - 116a "A MEMORY’S RECIPE" continues our tantalizing teachings about 'Charoset' with a focus on the reasoning and methodology used for the Making of a Memorial Passover Potion! Shifting gears from the school of thought that edible Seder Cement isn’t a Mitzvah Food, we now consider the second opinion that, in fact, it very much does have spiritual Seder significance. In this Episode, our Gemara views the creation and use of this tasty chunky dip as an important ingrediant in the mix of traditional dishes adorning the Passover table. Investigating the nature of this exotic Mitzvah leads into a discovery of the ingredients used to create Charoset and the elemental messages mixed into it! The unusual explanations will ultimately serve to enhance our appreciation of everything brought to the Seder Tisch, and the way we tell our story! This Episode joins a growing collection of classes on Perek Arvia Pesachim, the 10th chapter of this Holiday Tractate. This chapter's primary focus is The Passover Seder and its unique ritual observances.

The Haggadah in Depth Part 38 features analysis of the Benediction Law and Order that break into the next big event of the evening: Eating Matzo! Having completed our study of the ritual Handwashing in detail, we move onto the unique rules governing the recitation of Blessings over the Meal and the Matzo. In addition to learning all about the precise order of the Brachot we do recite, we'll also investigate the Bracha that, surprisingly, seems to be MIA! We will discover just how instructive the exact text of the formal instructions can be, as we highlight its subtleties revealing much insight on the performance of unique Passover Holiday Observances! This class is the 38th Episode in an ongoing study series on the Haggadah (the Handbook) of the Passover Seder.

Rambam - Hilchot Beit Habechirah 8:7 The Laws of God's Chosen House In previous Episode we learnt about the Sleeping Arrangements for Adult Cohanim Honour Guard prior to their Beit HaMikdash Day of Duty. Yet, while the Cohanim need some shut eye, Hashem's Holy Home isn't hospitable to Ritual Impurity, and sometimes stuff happens! What happens if... In this new Episode you'll discover that the solution is already carved in stone! Welcome to the original Temple Tunnels, the subterranean non-sacred passageways that allowed the Cohanim to escape situations of ritual impurity caused by things like an inadvertent Nocturnal Emission. Did you know that there was a labyrinth of tunnels (with one leading to a ritual bathing pool!) under the Beit HaMikdash compound? Is a ritually impure Cohen allowed to remain on the Temple Grounds for the night? And if he may, could he stay on the next day? With these fascinating Rules from the Underground, we will conclude the Cohen Guard Duty details, and move onto the responsibilities shouldered by the Levite Clans.

The Haggadah in Depth Part 37 These teachings focus on the Passover Haggadah. They feature an in-depth study of the actual text, drawing on a wide range of classic and contemporary commentaries. Haggadah Shel Pesach: all about how the Second Cup of Wine flows into the Handwashing Cup ~ hence the euphemism "KNIGHT OF CUPS" The precise Order of the Seder Night’s formal rituals and conventions convey much about the mechanism of the Holiday obligations and deeper meanings of its observances. An interesting example of this can be seen in the fact that the Seder's Telling part (Magid) ends on a Cup of Wine and the Edible part begins with a Cup of Water. We'll discover just how and why the Telling (Part One) of the Night’s Order must conclude by drinking a Cup of Wine, and why it requires a New Blessing. Then we'll focus on initiating the Edible (Part Two) of the Seder. Here too a Second Cup is required. Of course here nothing is drunk, but rather its another Handwashing with a Cup of Water. In the instructive Text Messaging subtleties, we can find insight into the unique nature and jurisprudence of these unique Passover Holiday Observances! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Pesachim - The Talmud on the Pesach Seder Lesson 12 - Page 120a The modern Seder mandates of Matzah and Marror are the primary focus of this illuminating presentation about the edible component of the Passover Seder. Dinner notwithstanding, here our Sages analyze and elucidate the ritual consumption. Here's some context: Without any doubt Passover Night is vastly different than any other religious Festival on the Jewish calendar. Most will feature formal Holiday Meals that will include traditional dishes or customary delicacies. Yet, none amongst them carry the weight and significance of a religious duty. And never else is there a requirement that everyone eat a certain amount of a particular food. It's only at the Pesach Seder that we are all religiously obligated to eat certain sacred foods. This discussion about the Edible Mitzvah Menu of our Modern Day Seder will serve you fascinating food for though, profound insight and lots of information! This Episode joins a growing collection of classes on Perek Arvia Pesachim, the 10th chapter of this Holiday Tractate. This chapter's primary focus is The Passover Seder and its unique ritual observances. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

The Haggadah in Depth Part 36 Haggadah Shel Pesach, the Blessing concluding Magid: This detailed analysis of the Seder Night’s formal “Blessing of Redemption” that concludes the section of Magid (Telling the Story of the Exodus) traces its origins, clarifies its basic meaning, and goes on to decode layers of its deeper messaging. Amongst many other things, you'll discover why the "Blessing on Miracles" recited on This Night of Pesach is Different than the Others. Subtle shifts in the Order of the text provide us with keen insight on the Power of Personalization, and the Choice of Holiday Names turns out to be most revealing. It all flows into a fascinating focus on the Red Blood of Redemption as we go on to conclude with meaningful insight on Masculine Music! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Pesachim - The Talmud on the Pesach Seder Lesson 11 - Page 119b - 120a A pithy Mishna cryptically speaks of the Passover Seder Dinner's conclusion, the Sages carefully analyze and elucidate. The result is a profound understanding of how (and why) the taste of the Korban Pesach Meat or (in our exilic times) Matzah must linger on as the night moves into its songful climax. Studying the words of our Sages emphasizes just how important the Seder Dinner on Passover Night really is. Far more than an elaborate tradition of luxurious Family Affair. It’s a Sacred Event where everything eaten has great meaning. In fact, even the aftertaste that lingers on in your mouth is prescribed in a particular manner to enrich your life with Pesach inspiration! This Episode joins a growing collection of classes on Perek Arvia Pesachim, the 10th chapter of this Holiday Tractate. This chapter's primary focus is The Passover Seder and its unique ritual observances.

Is there any value to eating Matzah AFTER the seder nights after the Seder nights have passed us over? Discover a fasinating take on faith, food, and health!

The Haggadah in Depth Part 35 How in Heaven does recalling Earth’s Topography shaking like a “Flock of Sheep” serve to Inspire and Stimulate our Spirituality, and what does it even mean?!

The Haggadah in Depth - Part 34 Hallel as Exodus Narrative continued: Of Foreign Tongues and Holy Nations. The Making of a Divine Dominion and the Royal Coffin that caused the Sea to Flee!

The Haggadah in Depth - Part 34 Hallel as Exodus Narrative continued: Of Foreign Tongues and Holy Nations. The Making of a Divine Dominion and the Royal Coffin that caused the Sea to Flee!

These Gemara teachings focus on the Passover Seder. They feature an in-depth study of the Talmudic analysis of our Sages on key components of the Pesach Night rituals. _______________________ Tractate Pesachim, Perek Arvai-Pesachim, Page - 116a "POISON CONTROL" a fascinating discovery on the Rhyme and Reason for Charoset: our Edible Seder Cement! According to the first school of thought espoused by our Sages, Charoset isn’t a biblical or even rabbinic Mitzvah Food, yet we’re instructed to create this tasty chunky dip and bring it to the Pesach Seder table. The BIG question is why?! Learn all about the surprising neutralizing powers this potent this Passover Paste is supposed to possess and how it can save the Seder attendees from poisonous stomach bugs, harmful bacteria, or even dangerous spirits. The unusual explanations serve to enhance our appreciation of everything brought to the Seder table. This Episode joins a growing collection of classes on Perek Arvia Pesachim, the 10th chapter of this Holiday Tractate. This chapter's primary focus is The Passover Seder and its unique ritual observances.

The Haggadah in Depth Part 33 The Hallel as an Exodus Narrative: Beyond Transcendence. How G-d Uplifted the Downtrodden, and Granted Offspring to the Infertile, and why that is relevant for us!

The Haggadah in Depth - Part 32 The Hallel as found in the Haggadah: Understanding How & Why it's uniquely Jewish, yet labeled an Egyptian Song of Praise! Retreat of a Pharaoh and Exchanging Masters. Fresh definitions of Slavery. Right to Sing. Global Perspective: Sunrise to Sunset!

The Haggadah in Depth Part 31 A Discovery of a Songful Chant Entirely Unlike any Other with entirely Unique Posture, Practice and Packaging!

The Haggadah in Depth Part 30 Understanding and Faithfully Discharging Our Obligations to Thanks, Praise, Extol, Glorify, Exalt, Honour, Bless, Ennoble and Acclaim G-d!

The Haggadah in Depth Part 29 The Case for Raising a Glass of Wine to Sing Hashem’s while Preserving Dignity to Express Thanksgiving: How we “Save” Bread from Shame as we “Uplift” a Cup of Joyous Blessings!

The Haggadah in Depth Part 28 In Pursuit of Personalizing Exodus. Grasping the Generational Obligation and Phenomenon of Experiencing Inner Freedom!

The Haggadah in Depth - Part 26 Haggadah Essentials —The third element is Marror. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Being Plunged Back into the World Based on the Hayom Yom of 23 Nissan The concept that there is a revelation of Mashiach on the Last Day of Pesach is relevant to the entire Jewish people. On Pesach, [the dynamic between G‑d and His people is characterized by] a “leap,” and [Pesach begins with] “the night of G‑d’s watchfulness.” Overall, we experience freedom. Afterwards, however, we are plunged back into the world. This, then, is the above-mentioned revelation of Mashiach — the resolute power that it generates, enabling us to continue on in the world.

The Mystical Moshiach Meal on the Last Day of Pesach — Why we do it, and how you can DIY this year!

Yizkor in the Age of COVID-19 For the first time in our modern Jewish history, virtually all Synagogues around the world will be shut on the Final Day of Pesach. Never in living memory has nobody gone to Shul to recite sacred memorial prayer of Yizkor and honour the eternal souls of parents and grandparents. How are we to behave?! This foundational presentation is a must watch for anyone who is distressed and seeking real answers...

Having learnt lots on the meaning, and impact of eating Shemurah Matzah at the Seder, we now move into practice mode, focusing on the Halachik etiquette that precedes the sacred consumption of these Mitzvah Wafers on this hollowed Night. This scholarly analysis about the correct Holding Pattern for the 3 Seder Plate Matzot will introduce us to an array of sources and differing schools of thought, with some very different conclusions. A unique system of sourcing will putatively provide us with the reasoning for the resolution reached, as well as give us a grasp of the interplay between the specific requirements of Matzah on Pesach vs the Challah Bread eaten at other formal Yom Tov repasts honouring the Chagim (Biblical Festivals).

Personalizing Passover Presentation: Freedom in 3D

Pesach Farbrangen Speaking to Dry Bones

Chof-Daled Tevet, the Yahrtzeit Hilula of the Alter Rebbe, the momentous millennial Torah sage who founded the global Chabad movement! Hilula Highlights: Personalizing the Plagues A fascinating Mini Ma’amer of the Alter Rebbe!

Ma’amer Moment: Acharon Shel Pesach ~ מאמר ד״ה והחרים ~ 5749-1989 "Sea-Splitting In The Future" Can Ordinary People experience Spiritual Transcendence in Real Time?

When Waves Came Crashing - A Sea-splitting analysis about the Nature of Miracles

Walls of Water. Ocean-bed Blossoms. Fruitful Phenomena —The Splitting of the Sea Unplugged!

Waters of the World! Why and when did the sea-splitting event go global? The final days of Pesach commemorate the incredible miracles of Kriyat Yam Suf (splitting of the Reed Sea.) When the Israelites saw how G-d has saved them, they sang Oz Yashir, (the Song of Praise at Sea.) The deeper meaning and uplifting inspiration in the specially selected songful verses!!

Ma’amer Moment: Pesach ~ מאמר ד״ה מצה זו ~ 5749-1989 Meanings of Matzah

Pastoral Passover Perspectives IV Letters that the Rebbe penned regarding the foundational themes of this incredible holiday! Seasonal Celebration! Springing forward in life!!

Pastoral Passover Perspectives III Letters that the Rebbe penned regarding the foundational themes of this incredible holiday! Our Eternal Inter-Generational Covenant

Our current focus is on "Matzah," step eight of the fifteen parts that comprise the Pesach Seder's Order. Episode #41 entitled; "THE HEALING EFFECT" continues to reveal the spiritual secret of Matzah; an other-worldly nourishment that can replenish both Body and Soul! Having learnt about the meaning, and impact of eating Shemurah Matzah at the Seder, we now further explore the incredible idea of a sacred consumption that feeds Faith and provides Healing. We will detail how eating Shemura Matzah on the Seder Nights' can, quite literally, improve the lives of those who consume it! In this Episode you'll discover the only edible that can enrich the individuals who choose to ingest it both materially as well as spiritually. The positive side effects of this Mitzvah that equally enhance the well-being of Jewish men, women and children who are fortunate enough to absorb Passover’s iconic wafers! This class is the 41st Episode in an ongoing study series on the Haggadah (formal Handbook) of the Passover Seder.

Pastoral Passover Perspectives Letters that the Rebbe penned regarding the foundational themes of this incredible holiday! Fortified with Faith!

The Haggadah in Depth Part 25 Meanings of Matzah Part 4 Having appropriately clarified the messages contained in the proverbial Paschal offering, we now move on to the second of Passover’s primary principles: Matzah. After a brief telling introduction (including details of actual customs), we are lead into a deeply insightful seminal and even counterintuitive understanding of this holidays unique unleavened wafers. A wide range of sources are kneaded together to incorporate multiple layers of mutually complementary meanings, all miraculously rolled into one in the Matzah’s thin crust!

Pastoral Passover Perspectives Letters that the Rebbe penned regarding the foundational themes of this incredible holiday! "On the Meaning of Freedom!" What exactly is the meaning of the liberty we celebrate on Pesach and how should this Yomtov enrich, enhance and elevate our daily existence?!

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Pesachim - The Talmud on the Pesach Seder Lesson 10 "Haggadah Basics" Opening statement: three words enable fulfillment at the Passover Seder. But what does this mean? Are these “magic” words, or do they represent the ideals in which we frame this “magical” nights narrative? Does the absence of this syntax rob us of fulfilment altogether, or is this indicative of best practices instead of necessity? Finally, which fulfilment of which obligation do we specifically speak of in this Mishna? The discussion leads us to a profound appreciation of how we are supposed to perform our annual Haggadah-telling of the Exodus at the Seder.

Custom and Convention! - ! Of the six Seder Plate items, the proverbial Passover dip of pulverized fruit, nuts, seasoning and wine is perhaps least understood. In tracing the earliest documented sources we encounter a range of opinions and rationale, initially creating confusion; but in the end, through careful analysis provides stunning clarity. You'll discover both the unique and supporting role this unusual dip plays in communicating the Exodus narrative by virtue of its appearance, consistency and tart acrid flavoring, and develop a taste for this secondary item on the Seder menu.

The Haggadah in Depth Part 24 Passover Essentials - The Paschal Offering (Part 3) Having established a solid understanding of Passover’s primary principles, we begin to analyze the first of the three, the Paschal Offering. Our initial point of departure demonstrates that we refer here not to actual consumption of roasted lamb, but rather to a broad overarching theme. Appropriately we embark on a discovery what this unique offering means. By carefully analyzing the specific verses in which Scripture unambiguously articulates the message, we are led towards a profound new understanding of the Korban Pesach and ultimately the holiday itself.

The Haggadah in Depth Part 23 "Passover Essentials" Part 2 To fully appreciate R’ Gamliel’s Passover principles, his teachings must be seen as focal points of the Seder narrative – and by extension the fulfilment of Torah Judaism itself. Ultimately, the three types of foods may also be viewed as a sort of recommended scale of spiritual nutrition. The question of which historical Rabban Gamliel this might be is carefully considered. Next, we pass over to the subject of the Paschal Offering itself; the origin of its actual name serves to illuminate its true essence and the sustaining message we are expected to digest.

The Haggadah in Depth Part 21 (Dayeinu Part 4) "Dayeinu: Would It Really Have Been Enough?" This fourth and final class on Dayainu, elucidates the concluding stanzas of enumerated kindness; designed to inspire reciprocal love and loyalty towards Hashem. But would it really have sufficed if G-d had merely brought us to Mount Sinai, and not given us the Torah?! Numerous explanations are explored and we peel away the layers to reveal the fuller picture of Divine goodness. We also address the curious notion of including events centuries beyond our leaving Egypt as part of the official Passover Seder exodus narrative in a profoundly insightful fashion. When it’s all said and done, you’ll certainly sing this Haggadah hymn with fresh fervor and passion!

The Haggadah in Depth Part 22 "Rabbi Gamliel’s 3 Holiday Essentials!" The framework to effectively convey our ancestors’ Egyptian exile narrative has already been mapped out. Now, our Seder Handbook introduces us to a critical component of the parental duty to recount our saga of national liberation; verbalizing the motifs behind Passover’s iconic items. This foundational class introduces and explores the origins, scope, rationale and purposes of this mandated articulation about these proverbial Pesach holiday essentials.

Ma’amer Chassidus: Acharon Shel Pesach ~Vehecherim~ 5749 - 1989 "Change Your World" Global transformations within reach; learn the Rebbe’s actualization strategy!

This series on the Passover Haggadah features in-depth study of the actual ancient text, its formal instructional accompaniment and the commentary authored by the Rebbe. We invariably draw on a wide range of classic and contemporary teachings. _______________________________________ Our current focus is on "Matzah," step eight of the fifteen parts that comprise the Pesach Seder's Order. Episode #40 entitled; "MY NAME IS FAITH" seeks to crack the Secret Code kneaded into the Matzah itself to reveal its essential Mystical Meaning. Having already delved into Halachic dimensions of this unique annual edible obligation, we are now ready to sink our teeth into the esoteric Kabbalah of Matzah! By zeroing in on two intrinsic and inherent names used for Shemurah Matzah eaten at the Seder, we will learn to appreciate the special effects caused by its consumption. Discover how Matzah ingestion impacts, influences, and improves the lives of those who absorb it, and discover incredible spiritual secrets baked into Passover’s iconic wafers! This class is the 40th Episode in an ongoing study series on the Haggadah (formal Handbook) of the Passover Seder.

Shirat Hayam - Song of The Sea (Part Three) “Heavenly Contractor” Ending on a Temple theme; making a Mikdash. Who exactly will build it?

Shirat Hayam - Song of The Sea (Part Two) Fear gripped Canaanites as Israel approached. Why did Edom & Moab tremble?

Shirat Hayam - The Song at Sea “Exalted Beyond” Moses and Am Yisrael sang G-d’s praise; appreciating absolute Divine supremacy! (Part One) "Then Moshe and the children of Israel sang this song (shirah) ... and they declared, saying: ‘I will sing....’" (Shmot 14:31-15:1.)

Ma’amer Chassidus"Erev Pesach ~Matza Zu ~ 5749 - 1989 "Midnight Matzah" Consuming energy is good, but only recycling can make greatness endure!