Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Pesachim - The Talmud on the Pesach Seder Page 115b - 116a MATZO TIME: In the Book of Exodus the verse conveying the Torah's command to eat of Matzo on the night of Passover, the sacred wafers are called... well, Matzo. Yet, in Deuteronomy a very different descriptive term is used. The premise that there must be a good reason for that is the catalyst for this discussion. Welcome to Matzo by any other Name! In this Episode, we embark on a literary journey into the backstory of the biblical terminology used for the unleavened bread we’re commanded to consume on Pesach. Peeling away the layers of meaning, together, we'll discover the deeper messages and motifs kneaded into hallowed Torah etymology about the hastily baked bread that serves to defines Passover’s narrative! From edible props, to broken spirits and empty pantries, we'll cover lots of interesting ground as we learn to appreciate the Seder table settings on another level. This Episode joins a growing collection of classes on Perek Arvia Pesachim, the 10th chapter of this Holiday Tractate. This chapter's primary focus is The Passover Seder and its unique ritual observances.

The Haggadah in Depth Part 39 ! opens our analysis of the big-ticket item on the Seder menu. Is it about the sacred consumption of a Unique Mitzva Food, or is this a Passover variation of the typical Holiday Meal Mandate? Having clarified the order of Brachot that are, and aren't, recited in this new Episode we move onto the action that follows, first, and foremost addressing its origin of obligation. To get to the crux of the matter, we delve into many sources and subtleties to piece together several compelling theories about what makes eating Matzo on this most magical of nights so unique and special! This class is the 39th Episode in an ongoing study series on the Haggadah (formal Handbook) of the Passover Seder.

The Haggadah in Depth Part 38 features analysis of the Benediction Law and Order that break into the next big event of the evening: Eating Matzo! Having completed our study of the ritual Handwashing in detail, we move onto the unique rules governing the recitation of Blessings over the Meal and the Matzo. In addition to learning all about the precise order of the Brachot we do recite, we'll also investigate the Bracha that, surprisingly, seems to be MIA! We will discover just how instructive the exact text of the formal instructions can be, as we highlight its subtleties revealing much insight on the performance of unique Passover Holiday Observances! This class is the 38th Episode in an ongoing study series on the Haggadah (the Handbook) of the Passover Seder.

Rambam - Hilchot Beit Habechirah 8:7 The Laws of God's Chosen House In previous Episode we learnt about the Sleeping Arrangements for Adult Cohanim Honour Guard prior to their Beit HaMikdash Day of Duty. Yet, while the Cohanim need some shut eye, Hashem's Holy Home isn't hospitable to Ritual Impurity, and sometimes stuff happens! What happens if... In this new Episode you'll discover that the solution is already carved in stone! Welcome to the original Temple Tunnels, the subterranean non-sacred passageways that allowed the Cohanim to escape situations of ritual impurity caused by things like an inadvertent Nocturnal Emission. Did you know that there was a labyrinth of tunnels (with one leading to a ritual bathing pool!) under the Beit HaMikdash compound? Is a ritually impure Cohen allowed to remain on the Temple Grounds for the night? And if he may, could he stay on the next day? With these fascinating Rules from the Underground, we will conclude the Cohen Guard Duty details, and move onto the responsibilities shouldered by the Levite Clans.

The Haggadah in Depth Part 37 These teachings focus on the Passover Haggadah. They feature an in-depth study of the actual text, drawing on a wide range of classic and contemporary commentaries. Haggadah Shel Pesach: all about how the Second Cup of Wine flows into the Handwashing Cup ~ hence the euphemism "KNIGHT OF CUPS" The precise Order of the Seder Night’s formal rituals and conventions convey much about the mechanism of the Holiday obligations and deeper meanings of its observances. An interesting example of this can be seen in the fact that the Seder's Telling part (Magid) ends on a Cup of Wine and the Edible part begins with a Cup of Water. We'll discover just how and why the Telling (Part One) of the Night’s Order must conclude by drinking a Cup of Wine, and why it requires a New Blessing. Then we'll focus on initiating the Edible (Part Two) of the Seder. Here too a Second Cup is required. Of course here nothing is drunk, but rather its another Handwashing with a Cup of Water. In the instructive Text Messaging subtleties, we can find insight into the unique nature and jurisprudence of these unique Passover Holiday Observances! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Pesachim - The Talmud on the Pesach Seder Lesson 12 - Page 120a The modern Seder mandates of Matzah and Marror are the primary focus of this illuminating presentation about the edible component of the Passover Seder. Dinner notwithstanding, here our Sages analyze and elucidate the ritual consumption. Here's some context: Without any doubt Passover Night is vastly different than any other religious Festival on the Jewish calendar. Most will feature formal Holiday Meals that will include traditional dishes or customary delicacies. Yet, none amongst them carry the weight and significance of a religious duty. And never else is there a requirement that everyone eat a certain amount of a particular food. It's only at the Pesach Seder that we are all religiously obligated to eat certain sacred foods. This discussion about the Edible Mitzvah Menu of our Modern Day Seder will serve you fascinating food for though, profound insight and lots of information! This Episode joins a growing collection of classes on Perek Arvia Pesachim, the 10th chapter of this Holiday Tractate. This chapter's primary focus is The Passover Seder and its unique ritual observances. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

The Haggadah in Depth Part 36 Haggadah Shel Pesach, the Blessing concluding Magid: This detailed analysis of the Seder Night’s formal “Blessing of Redemption” that concludes the section of Magid (Telling the Story of the Exodus) traces its origins, clarifies its basic meaning, and goes on to decode layers of its deeper messaging. Amongst many other things, you'll discover why the "Blessing on Miracles" recited on This Night of Pesach is Different than the Others. Subtle shifts in the Order of the text provide us with keen insight on the Power of Personalization, and the Choice of Holiday Names turns out to be most revealing. It all flows into a fascinating focus on the Red Blood of Redemption as we go on to conclude with meaningful insight on Masculine Music! Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud Masechet Pesachim - The Talmud on the Pesach Seder Lesson 11 - Page 119b - 120a A pithy Mishna cryptically speaks of the Passover Seder Dinner's conclusion, the Sages carefully analyze and elucidate. The result is a profound understanding of how (and why) the taste of the Korban Pesach Meat or (in our exilic times) Matzah must linger on as the night moves into its songful climax. Studying the words of our Sages emphasizes just how important the Seder Dinner on Passover Night really is. Far more than an elaborate tradition of luxurious Family Affair. It’s a Sacred Event where everything eaten has great meaning. In fact, even the aftertaste that lingers on in your mouth is prescribed in a particular manner to enrich your life with Pesach inspiration! This Episode joins a growing collection of classes on Perek Arvia Pesachim, the 10th chapter of this Holiday Tractate. This chapter's primary focus is The Passover Seder and its unique ritual observances.

Is there any value to eating Matzah AFTER the seder nights after the Seder nights have passed us over? Discover a fasinating take on faith, food, and health!

The Haggadah in Depth Part 35 How in Heaven does recalling Earth’s Topography shaking like a “Flock of Sheep” serve to Inspire and Stimulate our Spirituality, and what does it even mean?!

The Haggadah in Depth - Part 34 Hallel as Exodus Narrative continued: Of Foreign Tongues and Holy Nations. The Making of a Divine Dominion and the Royal Coffin that caused the Sea to Flee!

The Haggadah in Depth - Part 34 Hallel as Exodus Narrative continued: Of Foreign Tongues and Holy Nations. The Making of a Divine Dominion and the Royal Coffin that caused the Sea to Flee!

The Haggadah in Depth Part 33 The Hallel as an Exodus Narrative: Beyond Transcendence. How G-d Uplifted the Downtrodden, and Granted Offspring to the Infertile, and why that is relevant for us!

The Haggadah in Depth - Part 32 The Hallel as found in the Haggadah: Understanding How & Why it's uniquely Jewish, yet labeled an Egyptian Song of Praise! Retreat of a Pharaoh and Exchanging Masters. Fresh definitions of Slavery. Right to Sing. Global Perspective: Sunrise to Sunset!

The Haggadah in Depth Part 31 A Discovery of a Songful Chant Entirely Unlike any Other with entirely Unique Posture, Practice and Packaging!

The Haggadah in Depth Part 30 Understanding and Faithfully Discharging Our Obligations to Thanks, Praise, Extol, Glorify, Exalt, Honour, Bless, Ennoble and Acclaim G-d!

The Haggadah in Depth Part 29 The Case for Raising a Glass of Wine to Sing Hashem’s while Preserving Dignity to Express Thanksgiving: How we “Save” Bread from Shame as we “Uplift” a Cup of Joyous Blessings!

The Haggadah in Depth Part 28 In Pursuit of Personalizing Exodus. Grasping the Generational Obligation and Phenomenon of Experiencing Inner Freedom!

The Haggadah in Depth - Part 26 Haggadah Essentials —The third element is Marror. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Being Plunged Back into the World Based on the Hayom Yom of 23 Nissan The concept that there is a revelation of Mashiach on the Last Day of Pesach is relevant to the entire Jewish people. On Pesach, [the dynamic between G‑d and His people is characterized by] a “leap,” and [Pesach begins with] “the night of G‑d’s watchfulness.” Overall, we experience freedom. Afterwards, however, we are plunged back into the world. This, then, is the above-mentioned revelation of Mashiach — the resolute power that it generates, enabling us to continue on in the world.