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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- The Laws of Pesach
- The Spiritual Meaning
- Why is this paragraph in Aramaic, when the rest of the Hagada is in Hebrew, lashon ha-kodesh? - And then why do we switch back to Hebrew for the words, "l’shana haba’a?" - Why do we invite others to come join us in the Pesach offering, when, according to Halacha, this had to be arranged much earlier? - Why do we announce this invitation to join our Seder from our seats, as opposed to opening the door to the man in the street? - Finally, why do we say, "now we are slaves..." when we have been liberated from slavery?
Let’s try to solve all these puzzles, & see if a central message of Ha lachma anya emerges.
According to many, this section was not part of the Seder in the days when the Bet HaMikdash existed, but was added later in Babylonian exile. There, Aramaic was the language of the common people (Hebrew was a "higher" language spoken by the more learned) & using Aramaic was a way to both invite others to share with us, & signify that we were removed from our Hebrew-speaking home-land. As such, it connoted that we were still akin to "slaves," as we were not in the bosom of our homeland.
Inviting others to join us may refer to the meal held before the Pesach lamb, which had to eaten while satiated, or it may be a general declaration that we will not forget the less fortunate anytime that we celebrate. Others suggest that this is a novel way for each person at the Seder to feel as if he/she is the host, as only the host has the right to invite others to eat (& we all say this paragraph!).
As to why we suddenly switch languages in the middle of the text – going from Aramaic to Hebrew for the words, "l’shana haba’a – next year" (in the land of Israel), there are 2 conflicting opinions. Some say this reflects a fear, among those living in Exile, that our neighbors will hear us talking about moving to Israel & will accuse us of disloyalty and planning a rebellion.
But others see this as a way of emphasizing - through the use of Hebrew - the hope that next year, the only place where we will all be is in Israel!
So Ha lachma anya is a fitting way to start our Seder: With the firm promise that we will care for our fellow Jews, that everyone will feel welcome at our table, & that we’ll hold a grand Seder next year for all Jews - in Israel! May it indeed come true - Chag Sameach!
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)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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
