9 Short But New Ideas on the Haggada for your Seder Table

Everyone needs chiddushim (new ideas) every year for their Seder, and this class supplies that need, including timely ideas for our present war with Hamas and relating to the non-religious.

Being Sorry About Having Kids

The Mitzva of Onah

The Beginning of History

...With the arrival of the Exodus, a new era dawns upon humanity. The month of Nissan is when time was essentially born in the world, as the Torah declares: 'This month is for you the head of the months, the first for you of the months of the year" (Sh'mot 12,2). In Nissan, history sets out on its journey. From now on, there is a beginning, there is renewal, and there is the beginning of historic memory...

Well, bless my Seder!

Separating Terumah and Maaser

I have been looking for a specialty shampoo that contains oat bran. Someone found it in a very expensive store, and it does exactly what I want. One day, after showering, I noticed the label says that it is made in Israel! Does this mean that it is prohibited as Tevel?

Leprosy, Exile, & the Final Redemption

Connecting the phenomenon of  leprosy of the house, and the steps taken to resolve it, to how the story of the final Redemption will play out.

The Bracha on Blossoming Trees

May I recite birkas ilanos when I see only one blossoming tree? Must it be a fruit-bearing tree? Must I recite this bracha in the month of Nissan? I live in Australia!

Carbon Fiber versus Titanium

When is it good to interrupt? Is an entertainer swinging from a flying trapeze an ohel? Why would anyone throw a tent? What difference does it make, halachically, whether an airplane is manufactured from aluminum, titanium or carbon fiber?

An Unusual Haftarah

Why do we read the haftarah that we do this week? What does parshas Tzav have to do with Shabbos Hagadol? What is Purim Meshulash and what does it have to do with this week’s parsha?

The Hoop and the Drum – How to be a Good Neighbor

Can I forse my neighbor to stop drumming at certain hours? Can one force A renter to stop the contract with tenants who make noise?

What Is the Significance of the Number 40 in Jewish Tradition?

Interesting Chol Hamoed Questions

Traveling for Pesach

Siyum for Taanit Bechorot Via Live Streaming

On Erev Pesach, I will be in a small Jewish community that will not have a siyum. Is it permitted for me – a bechor – to break the ta’anit bechorot based on a siyum in which I “participate” via Skype?

Being a Good Guest

The Halachic Etiquette when Visiting Someone’s House

The Halachic Etiquette when Visiting Someone’s House

The Torah’s Instructions to Non-Jews—The Laws of Bnei Noach

How Fast Must I Eat?

May I Enter the Room that I Sold to the Non-Jew?

Keeping Foods Cooked in Chametzdik Pots

Sometimes I have foods that I cooked in chametzdik pots without any chametz ingredients that I fail to finish before Pesach. May I keep them in the corner of the freezer and mark them as chametzdik? (I try to not sell chametz, especially if it was already cooked.)

Salting on Shabbos

The Book and Sword Wrapped Together, Given from Heaven

“If you follow my statutes … I will send rain in its time… and you will live securely in the Land” (Vayikra 26:3-5). The Midrash commenting on this pasuk explains that fulfilling the statutes brings a person to the World to Come. The pasuk (Yeshayahu 4:3) states: “Those who remain in Zion and are left in Jerusalem, all who are inscribed for life in Jerusalem shall be called holy.” This refers to one who delves into Torah, which is the tree of life as it says: “It is the tree of life for those who cleave to it” (Mishlei 3:18). Rav Elazar commented: The sword and the book were given wrapped together from Heaven. Hashem said: “If you keep what is written in this book, you will be spared from the sword, but if not, you will be killed.” This is learned from: “He drove man out and stationed the cherubim east of the Garden of Eden, the fiery ever turning sword, to guard the way to the tree of life” (Bereishit 3:24). The way refers to derech eretz and the tree refers to Torah (Vayikra Raba, 35:6).

Some of the Basics of Kashering

Many other articles germane to Pesach are available on the website RabbiKaganoff.com. You can find these articles using the search words: matzoh; chol hamoed; chometz; ga’al yisroel; hallel; omer; mei’ein sheva;

“Pesach Egypt” and “Pesach Lot”

Mesorah

The Relationship between the Written and Oral Torah

Can we offer Korban Pesach today?

Can We Offer Korban Pesach Without the Beis HaMikdash?

Why was the Plague of Blood not enough?

Double Wrapping Food in a Treif Oven

I know that sometimes when warming something in a not kosher oven or a milchig food in a fleishig oven, he double wraps the food. When is this necessary and why?

The Left Hand Should Push Away and the Right Draw Close

As the two brothers, Yaakov and Eisav, were born and developed, Israel’s constant tension vis a vis Eisav’s descendants was set for generations. The struggle began with the prophecy before their birth that “one nation will overcome the other nation” (Bereishit 25:23).Let’s look at Hashem’s part in all of this. Rivka was barren and needed a miracle to conceive. Why did the miracle include a twin brother, who anyway is not part of the Chosen Nation?

Color of the Inside of the Retzuot (Tefillin Straps)

Until recently, I had only seen tefillin retzuot blackened on one side, but when I went to buy tefillin for my son, the sofer suggested retzuot that are black on both sides. He says these are now common and preferable, and the price difference is modest. Which is better to buy?

Sukkah Walls

Practices of the Tochacha

How Many Eggs Should be Boiled Together?

When making hardboiled eggs, may one cook one or two eggs or must there be at least three? Also, does it make a difference if there is an even or odd number

Tzaar baalei chayim

In Chutz La’aretz, this week parshas Balak is read, and in Eretz Yisroel, this is one of the rare years when we read parshas Pinchas before the Three Weeks. Since both parshiyos include allusions to tzaar baalei chayim, I present: Tzaar baalei chayim

Tefillin in Pre-Dawn Hours

work at a hospital and, some days, I am unable to wear tefillin during the day, but only pre-dawn. May I then put on tefillin before its regular time? [Our staff knows the querier.]

Doing Tevilat Keilim Before Giving Present

I often give glass s`alad bowls as presents. Is there any problem with doing `tevilat keilim on them before giving them to save time for the recipient or out of concern that they will not do tevila?

Separating Challah

Al Hamichya on a Fruit

I ate a fruit that requires the beracha acharona of Al Ha’eitz but, due to a lack of concentration, I recited Al Hamichya. Do I have to subsequently recite the correct beracha acharona?

Halacha Review: When Pesach Begins on Shabbat

Roasted Foods on Pesach

Is it permissible to eat roasted food at the seder, and if not, what is included?

What do I do with my Sheimos?

Introduction and Biography of the Noda B’Yehuda

After an extended period of presenting ideas of the Chatam Sofer on monetary disputes, we move on to a shorter series on the works of Rav Yechezkel Segal Landau, often called the Noda B’yehuda. (Although Rav Landau served as a dayan for many years, poskim do not usually publicize their rulings on cases in which they served as a dayan, but on questions asked by other rabbis. The Noda B’yehuda did not include many such cases in his reponsa.) Many view the Chatam Sofer and the Noda B’Yehuda as two of a kind. They were in the same basic time period (Rav Landau was around 50 years older), they were important rabbis of important communities at critical times, and the works of each are among the most respected and quoted by Acharonim.

Bnei Noach and Korbanos

Understanding Selichot

All about the custom of reciting Selichot for the Salvation of the Clal

Semicha and Sanhedrin Controversies of the 16th and 19st Centuries

How can one annul a vow?

Meal Customs and Afikoman

Chapter Sixteen-Part Nine

Chapter Sixteen-Part Nine

Magid – Beginning the Hagada

Chapter Sixteen-Part Six

Chapter Sixteen-Part Six

The Wine Laws

Chapter Sixteen-Part Two

Chapter Sixteen-Part Two

Seder Night

Chapter Sixteen-Part One

Chapter Sixteen-Part One

Tell Your Child"- the Hagada Laws"

Chapter Fifteen-Part One

Chapter Fifteen-Part One

Koshering the Kitchen-Part Three

Chapter Eleven-Part Three

Other Utensils Earthenware and Porcelain Utensils Glassware Enamel Utensils Plastic Utensils

Koshering the Kitchen-Part Two

Chapter Eleven-Part Two

Warming Trays (Shabbat “Plata”s) Microwave Ovens Dishwashers The Dining Table The Refrigerator and Kitchen Cabinets Pots, Skillets, Silverware, and (Non-Earthenware) Bowls Blenders and Mixers

Koshering the Kitchen-Part One

Chapter Eleven-Part One

Countertops The Sink Grates, Burners, and Stovetops Ovens

Hagala in Practice

Chapter Ten-Part Four

Chapter Ten-Part Four

The Principles of Hagala

Chapter Ten-Part Three

Chapter Ten-Part Three

The Principles of Hagalat Kelim

Chapter Ten-Part One

Chapter Ten-Part One

The Kitnyot Custom

Chapter Nine-Part One

Chapter Nine-Part One

Hozer Ve-ne'or Laws

Chapter Seven-Part Two

Can Ĥametz That Was Nullified before Pesaĥ Regain Its Status ("Ĥozer Ve-ne’or") on Pesaĥ?

Nefillat Apayim and the Prayers of Supplication

Chapter Twenty One-Part One

Chapter Twenty One-Part One

Birkat Kohanim – The Priestly Blessing

Chapter Twenty-Part One

Chapter Twenty-Part One

Chazarat HaShatz

Chapter Nineteen-Part Two

Chapter Nineteen-Part Two

Errors, Additions, and Omissions in the Amidah

Chapter Eighteen-Part One

Chapter Eighteen-Part One

Working in a Non-Kosher Establishment

The Laws of Reciting Shema

Chapter Fifteen-Part Four

Chapter Fifteen-Part Four

Laws Pertaining to Tzitzit and Tefillin for Shacharit

Chapter twelve-part three

Chapter twelve-part three

Responsibility for a Sefer Torah Burnt Along with a Yeshiva

Birkot HaShachar – The Morning Blessings

Chapter nine-part one

Chapter nine-part one

The chazan

Chapter four-part one

who should be a chazan? there is such a thing "proper chazan"?

Magen Avos on Seder night -- Which Bracha is First?

The Need for a Mechitza Without a Minyan

Soaps and Cosmetics Kosher for Passover? (And a review of Pesach laws)

How to manage the cosmetics and medicines issue on Passover.

Women Hearing Parashat Zachor

Rabbi Akiva Eiger (Introduction)

How Binding is Minhag?

Should a person continue praying in the traditional style of his fathers’, or can he change? Educate children about the importance of marriage, and don’t stress the problems.

The Minyan

Chapter Two-part one

Why we need ten people to pray? what special in this ten persons?

Beracha on Vegetable Soup

From Lyin’ To Lion

At What Age Should One Marry in Our Times

Torah studies and acquiring a profession take longer, so how does this affect the obligation to get married by a certain age? What about postponing having a family after marriage?

Grounds for Cutting Down Fruit Tree

The Special Mitzvah of Reciting Hallel

The Kashrus of Raisin Juice and Wine

How can two kosher, pareve ingredients combine to become a product that can become non-kosher? A non-Jewish friend of mine makes her own raisin wine. Is this a kashrus issue like grape wine, or is it like cherry wine, which is usually kosher?

Prayer for Redemption and Blessings for Mashiach

Special prayer to hasten our final redemption attributed to the Ramchal. Which blessings will we say when the Messiah comes?

Beit Yitchak – Rav Yitzchak Shmelkes

Mizmor Lesodah and Pesach

Why is Mizmor Lesodah not recited on specific occasions? Must we stand while reciting it? Some background and halachos regarding Psalm 100.

How do we make kosher cheese?

Question 1: Is there a need for kosher cheese to cost such a premium over non- kosher cheese? Question 2: Do the Conservatives have any basis for their "heter" of permitting all cheeses?

It’s About Time - Bein Hashemashos

About Bein Hashmashot, the impact on important mitzvot, how will it affect the time of the bris? Dovening Minha, Shabbat, Rosh Hashana, the Gra and Rabbeinu Tam.

Explaining the Mitzvah of Pidyon Shevuyim

The Commandment of Redeeming Captives

Is savining a child from being raised non-Jewish considered Pidyon shevuyim? Is there a mitzvah of pidyon shevuyim when someone was captured because he was doing something irresponsible or illegal?

Milk Spoon in a Meat Sink or Dishwasher

Kashrut in a Nutshell

The Halacha of meaty, dairy and parve cutlery washed together in the sink or dish washer, with hot or cold water.

Birkat Hamazon

Washing One’s Face on Yom Kippur

The Laws of Yom Tov

A summary of the general laws of Yom Tov: Cooking, preparing food, showering and Eruv Tavshilin.

Showering on Shabbat

May someone soak an infected toe in hot water on Shabbos? May I take a quick dip in the pool on a Shabbos when it is 105 degrees in the shade? Is bathing on Shabbos permitted to alleviate a minor skin condition?

Sheva Brachos at the Seder

What happens when there is a Sheva Brachot at the Seder? On which cup do we say the Brachot?

Some Kitniyos Curiosities

The laws of "kitnyot" (legumes) on Pesach - kitnyot mixed in food, cooked in pots and Sefaradi and Askenazi families.

Preparing Food on Yom Tov

Although most melachos are forbidden on Yom Tov, cooking and most other food preparation are permitted. Nevertheless, some types of food preparation are prohibited on Yom Tov. What is allowed, what is forbidden and what is the difference between these actions?

Double Parashiyot

When is it a good idea to have doubles?

In most calendar years, our policy is to have several weeks when we read a double parsha so that we are able to complete the Torah every year and make a Siyum HaTorah on Simchas Torah. Why and when does this happen?

Covering for Food on the Hot Plate

The Akedah

Chaim in the Garden (9)

Chaim in the Garden (9)

Can We Offer the Korban Pesach Without the Beis HaMikdash?

Rav Tzvi Hersh Kalisher, the rav of Thorn, Germany, who had studied as a youth in the yeshivos of Rabbi Akiva Eiger and the Nesivos HaMishpat (Rav Yaakov of Lisa), published a sefer advocating bringing korbanos in the location where the Beis HaMikdash once stood in Yerushalayim. Rav Kalisher considered it not only permissible to offer korbanos before the Beis HaMikdash is rebuilt, but even obligatory.

Why Can’t Women Blow the Shofar for Men?

Making a Beracha before Separating Challah

Before we begin, it is important to note that the word challah was used above to mean two completely different things – the bread we serve on Shabbos and Yom Tov, and the consecrated portion that we separate from dough. To avoid confusion, whenever I use the term "challah" for the rest of the article, I will use it only to mean the consecrated portion.

seudat hodaya

For what may I Pray?

"Rabbi, this is a very unfortunate and painful question. My grandfather is suffering from Alzheimer's disease and no longer recognizes us. Should we continue to pray that he "Dear Rav: I have an extended family member who is, unfortunately, involved in spreading non-Torah ideas. Recently, he was diagnosed with cancer. May I pray for his recovery, knowing that if he recovers he will probably continue to influence people away from Torah?"

Derech Cheirus

I have acid reflux, and as a result I never drink any alcohol, since it gives me severe heartburn. I also have difficulty tolerating grape juice, which does not agree with me. Am I required to drink either wine or grape juice for the four cups at the Seder?

The Laws of Tumas Meis

When the Beis Hamikdash is rebuilt, bimheirah beyameinu, the laws of tumah will affect us all, since we will be required to be tahor in order to enter the Beis Hamikdash, to eat korbanos and maaser sheini, and in order to separate challah and terumah.

The Great Cottage Cheese Controversy

My friend Yaakov* often travels in places where there are no kosher products available, and he has amassed a list of items that he can eat and drink wherever he finds himself. He told me that someone once told him that when traveling he may eat cottage cheese without any hechsher. What is the rationale for this psak?

Song of Men, Not Angels

From Siach Shaul, p. 224-5

The famous distinction between the angels and Israel was that since Bnei Yisrael were the beneficiaries of the miracle, they were allowed to sing.

How Do We Sell our Chometz?

Did you take into account your time-zone when you sold tour chametz? Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff takes us through the ropes of Mechirat Chametz from a to z.

What Bracha Do I Make Before Smelling the Shavuos Flowers?

My husband brought me beautiful roses for Shavuos. Should I make a bracha before smelling them? I have noticed that sometimes there is no noticeable fragrance.

Why Parshas Naso Sometimes Introduces Shavuos

Understand the science behind the Parsha of the week and its place in a ever versatile calendar

Some Shatnez Basics

Background on the issue of Shatnez. In what situations is there reallyproblem?

The Element of Hashem’s Name Needed for a Bracha

Did the Brothers have a Right to Sell Yosef?

Performing a Proper Hesped

The Halachot of a 'Eulogy'

Tzeniut in the light of the Maharal

Adapted from Netivot Olam

Tzniut - Restrictions or Protection?

Shame And Shameful

How Does a Heter Iska Work?

What is the prohibition of "Ribbit"? who does it apply on? How does the "Heter Iska" bypass the prohibition? and more...

Shir Hashirim

Deeper meaning of Shir Hashirim, The Song Of Songs.

Determining The Essence Of Pesach

What is the central message of the Pesach story? Turning a tribe of slaves into a community of free men...

Can We Offer Korban Pesach Without the Beis HaMikdash?

History of the argument if we can bring a Korban Pesach without the Beit Hamikdash? Explanations of both sides.

Clean For Pesach And Enjoy The Seder

Assembling Portable Cribs and Adjusting Shtenders on Shabbos

Milechet Boneh with movable items, removing leaves from the table, Assembling Portable Cribs, adjusting Shtenders on Shabbat and more.

When Do We Not Make a Bracha on a Fragrance?

When do we not make a Brachaon a Fragrance?

The Long-Term Impact of the Wise on Others

The Mitzvah of “Duchening” - Birchas Kohanim

The basic Halachot of Duchening, taking off shoes and washing hands, Why Is This Mitzvah Called Duchening? The connection between Duchening and dreams...

Pirkei Avot between Pesach and Shavuot

FOUR

The Matzoh Shoppers Guide

Various Halachot of making Matzoh, Making them Lishmah, grinding the flower, Halachot of "Mayim Shelanu", kneading the dough, baking problems, owning the Matzoh and more...

Special Laws for Pesach

That a Cohen May Not Marry a Divorcee

A few days later, a royal emissary of the Empress Maria Teresa appeared at the rabbi’s home. The surprised rabbi realized that the wealthy Jew had broken the convention by which Jews did not involve non-Jews in their inner disputes. He had no choice.

"Ushemartem et HaMatzot" - The Laws of Baking Matzot

Hatzalah and Radios

May one carry a Shabbat Radio on Shabbat when no emergency exists in order to be available if one does? The differences between kli she'me'lachto l'heter and kli she'me'lachto l'issur. Carrying the radio on shabbat where there is no Eruv.

“Hatov Vehametiv”

Wine is unique in that it not only satiates, it also gladdens the heart. Each type of wine has its own unique character, and when additional types of wine are consumed in company there is greater joy - and therefore a special blessing is recited.

Introduction To The Seven Noachide Laws

Hatzalah and Shabbos Emergencies

A summary of PIKUACH NEFESH Halachot on Shabbat. What if I do not now if it is a life threatening emergency? Who should drive? A man or a woman? A Jew or a Non-Jew? and more....

What is an Otzar Beis Din, and is it Good for the Jews?

Preparing Food on Yom Tov

What food can be prepared on Yom Tov? What Melachot are allowed, What are not? All in detail.

The Laws Relating to Converts

The laws relating to Jewish converts are most astounding. Despite the criticism directed at the Jewish people on the grounds that Judaism is racist, the Torah teaches us that any non-Jew who earnestly seeks to join the Jewish people may do so.

As Though You Yourself Came Out of Egypt

Miracles, Miracles Everywhere

Chanukah is the festival of miracles, but what are the real nature of miracles and how can we celebrate the miracles in our lives.

The Horse Vs. The Sabbath

The physical world does not run counter to the spiritual. Its purpose is to assist the spiritual world. The problem begins when people portray these two spheres as negating one another. When this happens a war erupts and the spiritual world stands to be harmed.

Mourning Customs During the Omer

The days between Passover and Shavuot are marked by pain; twenty-four thousand of Rabbi Akiva’s students died therein. Consequently, it is customary to observe mourning practices during this period - weddings, haircuts, and dancing are all forbidden.

Aaron, Moses, and the High Priesthood

Parashat Shmini

“Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting, and they came out and blessed the people, and God’s glory appeared before the entire nation.” Moses had the power to channel the blessing earthward and Aaron had the capacity to receive it for the entire Nation of Israel

Jerusalem at the Seder

Pesach

Pesach

Ester and the Dawn

Purim serves as an example of what things will be like in the Messianic Age, for, in the time of Purim, the Jews merited seeing the light amidst the darkness, a situation which recalls the verse, “Though I sit in darkness, God is a light for me.”

The Role of Parents in Marriage

Today, parents can fulfill the commandment of marrying off their children by providing them with a good education at prestigious schools, supporting them so that they be able to learn a profession, and clothing them in attractive attire.

The Grand Vision of the Geula

Parashat Vaera

Parashat Vaera

In the Beginning

Parashat Bereshit

In studying the ways of creation, we must remember that everything evolves from one ultimate source - the Torah. The Torah is the inner essence of all worldly matters. Creation is a mere manifestation - a reflection of the true essence, the Torah.

To Perpetuate the Name of the Dead

Megilat Ruth

Naomi was certain that Boaz would not allow himself to participate in an act of prostitution. She knew that once he understood their motives and grasped his own responsibility as a redeemer, he would surely take Ruth for his wife.

Celebrating During the Counting of the Omer Period

Rabbi Akiva had twelve thousand pairs of pupils spread out all over the country from Gevat to Antipatros and they all died during the period from Passover to Shavuot because they did not treat each other with respect and the world was desolate.

The Strike: Jewish Law’s Say

The only reason that Torah teachers receive a salary at all is so that they not have to go looking for some other means of income. So long as the teacher is not looking for another livelihood, he must continue to teach his pupils regardless.

The Structure of the Passover Haggadah

“Had not the Almighty taken our fathers out from Egypt, then we... would have remained enslaved to Pharaoh.” Were it not for the Exodus, history would have simply come to a halt, and we, the Jewish people, would still be enslaved to the same Pharaoh.

The Maharal of Prague: An Introduction

We might very well credit Rabbi Yehudah Liva, the legendary "Maharal of Prague," with being the first to "open the gate" and provide us with a truly penetrating look at the essence of the Sages' homiletical teachings on the Torah - the "Midrash."

A Jewish Approach to Discipline in the Classroom

1. A Hands-On Approach 2. The Role of Trust and Love 3. Factoring In Personality 4. Student Character Types 5. Identifying the Causes

The Four Fasts of the Destruction

After the First Temple was destroyed, the Prophets instituted fasts marking the tragic events surrounding the Destruction and the ensuing exile of the Jewish People. This step was taken in order to prompt the nation to grieve and mourn over the Destruction and Exile.

6. "Zerizut" - Its Practical Application

Part six of "Pathways in Character Development" Every mitzvah which presents itself must be carried out immediately. "When a mitzvah presents itself," say the sages, "don't put it off."

Insights into the Haggadah's Four Sons

Ours is a Haggadah of destruction and exile. In exile it is not possible to place appropriate emphasis on the national goal. Thus, it becomes necessary to emphasize the centrality of personal, individual worship of God.

The Month of Nissan - A Unique Possession

The month of Nissan resembles the heart. The heart sustains everything, sending blood to all of the body's organs. Regarding Nissan it is written, "Safeguard the month of spring," for it symbolizes the return of life to the trees after their long winter dormancy.