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As Torah mitzvot are typically introduced by a bracha – in order to focus us upon what we are about to do, & to establish the act as a Divine emanation from Hashem – it ought to have a blessing, such as "Asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivani l’hagid sipur yetziat Mitzraym." So why is this most special Mitzva "bracha-less?"
Some want to suggest that reading the Hagada, which contains numerous quotes from Tanach, & commentary by great rabbis, fulfills the Mitzva of Talmud Torah, & so it is covered by the bracha we recite each morning, "la’asok b’divrei Torah." A special bracha at the Seder would then be superfluous, even a "bracha l’vatala," a blessing in vain.
Others point to the pasuk in Devarim 16:3 that cites the Mitzva to "remember the day you left Egypt every day of your life." This mitzva can be fulfilled by reciting any verse that discusses leaving Egypt; by mentioning the Exodus in one’s own words; or certainly by saying the Kiddush. According to this view, reading the Hagada is subsumed within, & is a continuation of the Mitzva which we have already accomplished.
I want to suggest another approach. Most of the Mitzvot that we perform & which are preceded by a bracha, are things that we are ordered to do: Give our sons a Brit; eat a matza, shake a lulav, put on Tefilin every morning, etc. But acts that we do without saying a bracha indicate that these are acts of love, not only law, & that we fulfill them from the heart – right along with the Halacha.
And so, when we are kind to a convert, we fulfill the command of, "V’ahavtem et ha-ger," but we recite no bracha prior to doing it. When we give Tzedaka, we fulfill the Mitzva of, "Patoach tiftach et yadcha lo – you shall open your hand to the needy," but no bracha is said.
Our Hagadic recounting of our liberation from slavery & our redemption from Egypt should be seen as a marvelous act of love from Hashem to us, & our elaborate telling of this tale should evoke our own deep feelings of love towards the Almighty. And so, no bracha is indicated.
Let us fulfill our Seder Mitzva with love, & hope this love will permeate the entire nation & bring us real peace.
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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.
