YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Passover - Pesach
- The Seder Night
Why did the Sages insist specifically on wine? First, free people drink wine, and drinking wine signifies freedom. In addition, drinking wine brings about special joy (Sefer HaChinuch, Positive Commandment 31). Wine makes a person rejoice, and when a person rejoices he can perform the commandments in a better way.
Furthermore, the enhanced joy brought about by wine hints at the way the redemption will come. Generally, when a person eats anything, the first bite is the most delicious, the second less so, and the third even less so. In the case of wine, it is the exact opposite: with each glass one’s joy increases. So, too with Israel’s redemption; thus with each of the four verbs illustrating redemption each stage is succeedingly higher: "I will bring you out" is the first stage, and this will be followed by "I will deliver you." That will be followed by "I will redeem you," and finally, "I will take you" – whereupon we are enveloped beneath the wings of the Divine Presence.
This, however, needs clarification. The Nation of Israel is generally opposed to the drinking wine. It is true that we drink a glass of wine for kiddush, but drinking four glasses seems to be a bit excessive. Is it appropriate for us to use a symbol that would seem to imply drunkenness, and at the Seder of all times? (Even on Purim, there are guidelines for how much one ought to drink!).
The answer is that the drinking wine on the Seder night expresses our freedom, our ability to use the material for a higher purpose. Wine, alcohol, is one of the most dangerous threats to a person's sense of control, one of the most widely abused substances in humanity's history.
Rather than abusing wine for lowly matters, we harness the potency of it through kiddush and use it to achieve spiritual elevation and holiness. Freedom signifies control! A free person knows how to control his passions and his body. The freedom of the Seder night teaches us to be free people throughout the year, by not losing control even though we are indulging in drinking wine.
However, on the Seder night itself we drink four glasses. On the Seder night our souls are free, and, therefore, four glasses of wine will not disturb our freedom. Rather, the four glasses allow us to channel our spirituality towards expressing our joy and gratitude to God.
From Slavery to Redemption How Does One Fulfill the Obligation to Experience the Exodus
A Moment of Wisdom
Additional Lessons Stealing the Afikoman
How to Keep Our Kids at the Seder and On The Derech of Torah
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)
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)
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)
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.
P'ninat Mishpat 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: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
