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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!
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
