The Role of the Haggadah in Retelling the Events of our Redemption
It is a positive commandment of the Torah to recount the miracles and wonders that occurred to our fathers on the night of the fifteenth of Nisan as it says: Remember this day that I took you forth from Egypt. (This should be understood in a manner) similar to that which it says: Remember the [...]
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Lessons from Achashverosh
And it was in the days of Achashverosh – the Achashverosh who ruled from Hodu to Kush – one hundred and twenty provinces. (Megilat Esther 1:1) 1. The messages of the Megilah story The story related in Megilat Esther is constructed around the interplay between four personalities. Mordechai and Esther are the hero and [...]
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Succot, Fantasy, and Delusion
In succot you should dwell for seven days. Every citizen of Yisrael should dwell in succot. (This is) so that your generation will know that I caused Bnai Yisrael to dwell in succot when I brought them forth from the Land of Egypt. I am Hashem your G-d. (Sefer VaYikra 23:42-43) 1. The succah commemorates [...]
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The Essential Elements of the Commandment to Retell the Redemption from Egypt
And Moshe said to the nation: Remember this day that you went forth from Egypt, from the house of bondage – for with a mighty hand Hashem took you forth from this. Leaven products should not be eaten. (Shemot 13:3) 1. A biblical source for the commandment of Sipur In this passage, Moshe instructs the [...]
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The Theme and Message of Chanukah
During the Second Temple period when the Hellenist kings ruled, they made decrees against Israel and suppressed their religion. They did not permit them to study Torah and perform mitzvot. They seized their wealth and their daughters. They entered the Sanctuary, breached its walls, and defiled the objects of purity. Israel was greatly afflicted by [...]
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Thoughts on Pesach
The Essential Elements of the Commandment to Retell the Redemption from Egypt And Moshe said to the nation: Remember this day that you went forth from Egypt, from the house of bondage – for with a mighty hand Hashem took you forth from this. Leaven products should not be eaten. (Shemot 13:3) 1. A biblical [...]
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