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!
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
