YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
A crucial section of the Hagada is the explanation of the three key elements of the Chag: Pesach, Matza & Maror. We know this is important because there in the intro, Rabban Gamliel says explicitly: "Whoever does not explain these items has not fulfilled his obligation!"
But I’m puzzled: Why is Maror the last food to be listed?
We know that the Seder once concluded with the eating of the Korban Pesach – today we use a Matza for that – so why aren’t either one of those items listed last, rather than the bitter herbs? What message is being sent to us?
I suggest that this rather odd arrangement is just one more element in the overall Seder theme of Hakarat HaTov - appreciation for all that G-d does for us. For only when we lose something important, when life does not turn exactly our way, do we comprehend just how much
we need Hashem and depend upon Him for all our needs.
Rav S. R. Hirsch expounds on this idea: "Only the Maror – as it symbolizes the bitter trials in one’s life – can demonstrate to the individual that G-d is his personal guardian. For only in periods of bitterness does one learn to appreciate the precious value of a family, a community, a nation. Only through this unique crucible of Maror do we acknowledge our helplessness and lack of independence, and learn to cast our burden on Hashem. It is, ironically, only by tasting the bitterness of the Maror that can we also taste the sweetness of the Pesach lamb and the Matza."
The answer we give to the Wise Child, the Chacham – "Ayn maftirin achar haPesach Afikoman - to refrain from eating dessert after eating the Afikoman, is clear in its message: After all our learning, after all our Jewish experience, what is most crucial is the taste left in our mouths. That intangible is often the most important factor – and the greatest single challenge - in the continuing transmission of our tradition.
We want the lingering taste, the "bottom line" feeling of Judaism to be positive & sweet, & so we do not want to end our Seder with a bite of Maror. Yet at the same time, we know that life – especially Jewish life – can be touched by sadness, suffering & hardship. And so we also do not want to "sugar-coat" reality. We grit our teeth, we taste the Maror, & then we give thanks for the overwhelmingly positive privilege of being Jewish.
Chag Kasher V'Sameach to all!
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
