Passover/Pesach With Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

51

Change Your World

Apr 5, 2018

29:23

Ma’amer Chassidus: Acharon Shel Pesach ~Vehecherim~ 5749 - 1989 "Change Your World" Global transformations within reach; learn the Rebbe’s actualization strategy!

52

Heavenly Contractor

Apr 4, 2018

27:38

Shirat Hayam - Song of The Sea (Part Three) “Heavenly Contractor” Ending on a Temple theme; making a Mikdash. Who exactly will build it?

53

Fear Gripped Canaanites As Israel Approached

Apr 3, 2018

29:59

Shirat Hayam - Song of The Sea (Part Two) Fear gripped Canaanites as Israel approached. Why did Edom & Moab tremble?

54

Exalted Beyond

Apr 2, 2018

30:17

Shirat Hayam - The Song at Sea “Exalted Beyond” Moses and Am Yisrael sang G-d’s praise; appreciating absolute Divine supremacy! (Part One) "Then Moshe and the children of Israel sang this song (shirah) ... and they declared, saying: ‘I will sing....’" (Shmot 14:31-15:1.)

55

Midnight Matzah

Mar 30, 2018

27:00

Ma’amer Chassidus"Erev Pesach ~Matza Zu ~ 5749 - 1989 "Midnight Matzah" Consuming energy is good, but only recycling can make greatness endure!

56

Plague Ratios

Mar 29, 2018

24:17

The Passover Haggadah "Plague Ratios" Why our Sages expanded the spectrum; how that affects Chametz destruction.

57

Hands-on Redemption

Mar 28, 2018

24:41

The Passover Haggadah "Hands-on Redemption" Why HaShem Himself took us out of Egypt, and what this can teach us!

58

Enough Already

Mar 26, 2018

1:08:31

The Haggadah in Depth: Part 21 "Enough Already" The fourth and final fascinating class on the famous Haggadah Nigun: Dayainu!

59

Toil & Trouble

Mar 26, 2018

24:01

The Passover Haggadah "Toil & Trouble" The Haggadah speaks of toil and oppression; see how it’s super-relevant today!

60

The Mitzvah of “Telling the Tale” on Seder Night

Mar 26, 2018

29:21

The Mitzvah of “Telling the Tale” on Seder Night. A talk to the children of The Shmuel Zehavi Cheder Chabad!

61

The Pesach Seder: A conversation on Rhyme, Reason & Relevancy

Mar 23, 2018

41:31

The Pesach Seder: A conversation on Rhyme, Reason & Relevancy

62

Passover Props

Mar 23, 2018

48:03

Talmud Tisch: Intermediate Talmud Masechet Pesachim The Talmud on the Pesach Seder Lesson 9 "Passover Props” How the Seder table is artfully arranged for Show n’ Tell learning.

63

Ready to Wear

Mar 22, 2018

28:20

The Passover Haggadah "Ready to Wear" Did you know Mitzvot are like clothing? Dressing for redemption; then and now.

64

The Force Awakens

Mar 21, 2018

29:57

The Passover Haggadah "The Force Awakens” Why exile was forced upon us. Why we never lose hope despite exilic displacement.

65

It’s A Wrap

Mar 21, 2018

59:15

Pesach Seder Law & Order "It’s A Wrap" Clarifying the legal intricacies of our proverbial Passover Matzah n’ Marror wrap.

66

Survivor Episode, Torah Edition

Mar 20, 2018

26:38

The Passover Haggadah "Survivor Episode, Torah Edition" In every generation, enemies rise up trying to destroy us; how does that enter the Passover story?

67

The Gratitude Attitude

Mar 19, 2018

1:06:54

The Haggadah in Depth: Part 20 (Dayeinu Part 3) "The Gratitude Attitude" We continue our attempt to decode dayainu and unlock the rhyme and reason of the rising scales that enumerate G-d’s favors. The focus is the second set of poetic verses, corresponding to our metamorphosing into a miraculous nation that consistently defies nature and statistics. A pattern of a gradually heightening awareness of Divine design in every aspect of our existence is also uncovered. Particular attention is lavished on G-d not only splitting the Red Sea, but also miraculously drying the ocean-bed, effectively sparing us a muddy walk. Yet, in the grander scheme of things, is that really such a big deal? The multiple answers proffered climax in a remarkably enlightening lesson.

68

THE WORD

Mar 19, 2018

26:02

The Passover Haggadah "THE WORD" In the Haggadah, we emphasize HaShem’s keeping his word; but isn’t that obvious?

69

Mitzvah Mindfulness Mandated?

Mar 16, 2018

39:51

Talmud Tisch: Intermediate Talmud Masechet Pesachim The Talmud on the Pesach Seder Lesson 8 In its initial analysis of the Mishnah, a great sage presumed to have uncovered the answer to a question that had long baffled the sages: must a mitzvah be performed intentionally, or can meaning be attributed to mindless actions? The Talmud engages in rigorous, its unique signature give-and-take, to meticulously analyze the supposition and frame it in the precision-driven syntax our sages employed. Although ultimately, the supposition is dismissed, the analysis is illuminating, revealing and instructive on many levels as we emerge with a clearer understanding of the Seder etiquette and the thought invested into each detail of its revered rituals. (Pesachim page 114 b)

70

Four Kinds Of Kids

Mar 14, 2018

26:58

The Passover Haggadah “Four Kinds of Kids” We’re commanded to educate all of our offspring; yet every child is unique!

71

Seder, By the Book

Mar 14, 2018

1:07:14

Pesach Seder Law & Order (Halacha) "Seder, By the Book" Zoom in to the legal intricacies of eating the Matzah to ensure it’s done right.

72

You’re Out of Order!

Mar 13, 2018

23:33

The Passover Haggadah "You’re Out of Order!" The particular order of the proverbial Four Questions is itself a lesson.

73

Level Best

Mar 12, 2018

1:00:27

The Haggadah in Depth: Part 19 (Dayeinu Part 2) The Dayeinu Hymn: Divine Favors or Level Best? This in-depth analysis of the varying levels of the many favors the Al-Mighty preformed for us at the time our nascent nation rose out of the bowels of another, opens with overarching insight about the well-known Haggadah hymn “Dayeinu, it would have sufficed us.” We move on to focus on the specifics: the opening iterations of G-d’s goodness, which seem to be enumerated out-of-order. The quest for clarity leads us into a deeply moving message about the essence of our Jewish faith, and the eternal relevance of Exodus in a dynamic and vibrant fashion!

74

No Intro Required

Mar 12, 2018

22:30

The Passover Haggadah "No Intro Required" Understanding the Haggadah’s unusual introduction will inspire you.

75

Provoking Proverbial Questions

Mar 9, 2018

43:21

The Talmud on the Pesach Seder, Lesson 7 (Daf/Page 114a) Following the Kiddush wine, the “Order” of the proverbial Passover dinner seems to aimlessly wander away from the typical holiday repast tradition, yet nothing could be further from the truth. Discover the ingeniously choreographed Seder strategy that was designed to piqué children’s curiosity and engage them in an annual sacred multi-media educational program. Meet the respected members of the Seder plate lineup in their earliest documented iteration, and gain valuable insight into the Mitzvah mechanics of this most magical night of the year!

76

When Dark Matter Visited Planet Earth

Mar 8, 2018

1:12:09

The Ten Plagues: 9 Darkness (Choshech) The plague of darkness was incredibly dense and intense for the Egyptians, while the Israelite nation enjoyed a miraculously bright and lit-up environment. This class will shed light and reveal obscure facets of this remarkable plague, and the layers of purpose it served in preparation for the Exodus.

77

Raining Fire and Ice

Mar 8, 2018

1:05:08

The Ten Plagues: 7 Hail (Barad) Discover the devastating hail of fire and ice that rained from the heavens inaugurating a paradigm shift in Pharaoh’s Egypt. Learn fascinating facts, incredible insights, and sacred sparks that together comprise the seventh strike against the ancient Egyptian taskmasters. Learn about the original ‘shock and awe’ event, and see why this remarkable biblical narrative may be timely.

78

Inflammation of the Egyptian Masses!

Mar 8, 2018

37:49

The Ten Plagues 6 Boils (Shechin) This class takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey of Moses's miraculous oven-soot heavenward hurling that produced the original Burning Man Phenomenon! Get the full unvarnished story of the oxymoronic circumstances that produced the plague called Boils, and see why these pernicious forms of inflammation disoriented the Egyptian wizards and finally got under the Pharaoh's skin.

79

Egypt's Economic Epidemic!

Mar 8, 2018

43:37

The Ten Plagues 5 Pestilence (Dever) This class makes the seemingly deadest of the Proverbial Plagues come alive with colorful insights and sensational secrets revealed. Discover what really happened to the ancient world's superpower when they were suddenly plagued by pestilence – the fatal epidemic striking all Egyptian livestock – as this penetrating analysis allows the real story to emerge!

80

Animals Gone Wild!

Mar 8, 2018

1:10:38

The Ten Plagues 4 Wild Beasts (Arov) This class incorporates a slew of incredible teachings about the bizarre mix of wild beasts that comprised the fourth plague, Arov. We’ll uncover mysterious commentaries that describe the crazed hordes of lions, bears, snakes and cheetahs being led by mermaid like sea monsters! Be amazed to hear how this chaotic mixture of vicious animals suddenly filled the streets and homes in every urban center across ancient Egypt, attacking the cruel taskmasters who had delighted in tormenting their Hebrew slaves. Finally, discover the deeper motif and spiritual lesson behind this radical mixture.

81

The Miraculous Lice Infestation

Mar 8, 2018

1:05:26

The Ten Plagues 3 Lice (Kinim) The third plague was the sudden monstrous infestation of Lice that swarmed Egypt. Discover nine unique reasons G-d chose to strike the Egyptians with this creepy infestation, and find out why the Pharaoh’s wizards couldn’t come up with a comeback. Understand why most commentaries believe that Goshen (the Jewish section) was also affected by this plague as well. Finally, learn the actual dimensions of this insect invasion, and which other creepy crawlers may have joined this remarkable roach parade!

82

Who Let the Frogs Out?

Mar 8, 2018

1:12:38

The Ten Plagues: 2 Frogs (Tzefardea) Learn why this second plague hit Pharaoh hardest, and how these green creatures became an example of true commitment—inspiring famous people centuries later! See how they unwittingly enforced border control between Ancient Ethiopia and Egypt, and discover Kermit’s crazy ancestors from long ago, as you learn about the extra-ordinary intelligence these amphibious animals displayed. Plus, you’ll be astounded by their incredible super-natural antics as they tormented our Egyptian slave masters as only possessed frogs can! This fascinating class concludes with a deep ethical and spiritual message that we can all take to heart.

83

All the Bloody Details!

Mar 8, 2018

1:19:18

The Ten Plagues: 1 Blood (Dam) This class pierces the veil shrouding the mystery around the first of the proverbial 10 Plagues. Discover the full story of the Nile River miraculously running red. Was it just a temporary chemical discoloration or did the water become actual plasma? What was the purpose, who was affected, and finally how did the magicians have water to turn into blood? Finally, why is this relevant in our day and age?

84

Pesach Seder “Law & Order” No Philosophy, No Mysticism. No Kidding!

Mar 7, 2018

1:02:55

Pesach Seder “Law & Order” No philosophy, no mysticism. No Kidding! Just legal intricacies of the Seder so they are done right! Only after nightfall; the jurisprudence behind it. An evening of wine and blessings; those mandated and those added. Hand-washings, vegetable dipping and a uniquely Jewish nibble; its raison d'être, differing perspectives and the resultant mandated mindfulness. We conclude with the technical overview of the proverbial Bitter Herbs and their place at the dinner table.

85

Layers of Divine Kindness ~ From Egypt to Jerusalem!

Mar 5, 2018

53:24

The Haggadah in Depth Part 18 (Dayeinu Part 1) Following the recap and analysis of the plagues, a multi-layered enumeration of the many favors the Almighty bestowed upon us is presented. We are now introduced to the iconic Seder song-of-praise "Dayeinu", with it’s the famous refrain “it would have sufficed us.” Subjects covered in this introductory teaching about the cherished Passover hymn include: its mysterious origins, unusual verbiage, historic allusions, deeper meanings and even the numerology of the grateful recounting of the “beyond-the-required” favors Hashem bestowed, and the Jewish journey it represents!

86

Spilling Wine, Precisely on Time!

Mar 5, 2018

57:13

The Haggadah in Depth Part 14 This inspiring Haggadah class introduces you to the unusual custom of wasted wine intentionally spilled from your cup when mentioning the proverbial Ten Plagues. Discover the different reasons for, and the methods of this strange spillage (learn why wasting good wine, can actually be a good idea?!), and finally see why everybody would be best off “Going Kabbalistic” at this juncture in the Seder!

87

The Essence of Exodus

Mar 5, 2018

1:04:05

The Haggadah in Depth Part 13 The Haggadah continues to analyze Scripture’s strange synopsis of our Egyptian Exodus as recounted in Deuteronomy. This class presents a profound understanding of the Haggadah’s narrative as we discover how the entire redemptive schematic is incorporated into a single sentence. Learn the secret meanings behind the deceptively simple euphemisms of G-d’s “strong arm”, the raising of a “sword”, “revelation, signs and wonders”, culminating in “blood, fire and smoke” and spilled wine.

88

Who Took the Jews Out?!

Mar 5, 2018

1:09:47

The Haggadah in Depth Part 12 This class explores the cryptic section of the Haggadah that places great emphasis on G-d “Himself” taking us out of Egypt. You’ll discover why it was so important to remove the participation of any mediums from the actual redemption process, and garner newfound understanding and appreciation of why this had to be left in the ‘hands’ of the Creator alone. Finally you will learn the meaning behind the Haggadah’s mystifying triplicate terminology, and even see how the preclusion of “heavenly messengers” demands an imitation for the Jewish Nation in our modern day and age!

89

And G-d Saw Our Suffering, Toil and Oppression

Mar 5, 2018

1:02:45

The Haggadah in Depth Part 11 This careful analysis of Scriptural references to the Egyptian bondage that elicited a divine response gives us a new understanding of not only the physically backbreaking and painful slavery, but rather how the Pharaoh and his henchmen terrorized us psychologically, emotionally and spiritually in order to bring about his final solution!

90

We Cried Out to Heaven

Mar 5, 2018

46:17

The Haggadah in Depth Part 10 In this class we take a closer look at the passage in the Haggadah: "And we cried out to the L-rd, the G-d of our fathers… And the L-rd heard our voice…"

91

The Egyptian Persecution

Mar 5, 2018

1:03:10

The Haggadah in Depth Part 9 We read in the Haggadah how Pharaoh cleverly plotted to persecute and afflict the Jewish people, which paved the way for all the atrocities of their enslavement. This class covers the passages beginning with words "The Egyptians treated us badly and they made us suffer, and they put hard work upon us."

92

Our Miraculous Population Explosion!

Mar 5, 2018

1:13:17

The Haggadah in Depth Part 8 In telling the story of the Jews sinking into slavery and deprivation in Egypt, we preface in the Haggadah how in the beginning, despite all odds, we prospered and experienced tremendous growth. This class covers the paragraphs that beginss "Few in number…" till the passage of "And numerous…,"

93

Saved from Laban. Persecuted by Pharoah!

Mar 5, 2018

1:05:18

The Haggadah in Depth Part 7 We read in the haggadah, prior to describing Jacob’s decent into Egypt, that earlier Laban wanted to destroy him. Why do we digress from the exodus narrative at this point? Moreover, it seems to diminish from the emphasis on Pharos’s evil? This class covers the paragraphs that begins with the words “Go forth and learn what Laban the Aramean wanted to do” and "And he went down to Egypt”.

94

The Secret of Jewish Survival

Mar 5, 2018

55:11

The Haggadah in Depth Part 6 We read in the haggadah that despite how in every generation they attempt to destroy us, G-d saves us. Why is it so important to focus on this at the Seder? This class covers the paragraph that begins with the words “This is what has stood by our fathers and us”.

95

G-d’s Promise to Our People

Mar 5, 2018

58:54

The Haggadah in Depth Part 5 We praise G-d in the Haggadah for keeping His promise to redeem His people Israel. But, what is so impressive with the fact that G-d keeps his word? This class covers the paragraph that begins with the words “Blessed is He who keeps His promise”.

96

Tracing Our Early Roots

Mar 5, 2018

54:08

The Haggadah in Depth Part 4 When is the proper time to tell the story of the exodus from Egypt? And why do we preface it with the shameful beginnings of our people? This class covers three paragraphs that begin with “One may think . . . ,” “In the beginning our fathers served idols . . . ” and “And I took your father Abraham from beyond the river . . .”

97

Four Blessings for Four Sons

Mar 5, 2018

57:59

The Haggadah in Depth Part 3 Understanding the biblical basis for the Four Sons, their place at the Seder and what they mean to us. This class covers the paragraphs discussing the Four Sons, beginning with the passage “Blessed is the Omnipresent One . . .”

98

Telling the Story of the Exodus

Mar 5, 2018

1:00:27

The Haggadah in Depth Part 2 Understanding the Haggadah’s requirement to expound upon our exodus from Egypt, taking our cue from the five sages of Bnei Brak. This class covers the two paragraphs of “It happened that Rabbi Eliezer . . .” and “Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah said . . .”

99

We Were Slaves in Egypt...

Mar 5, 2018

54:59

The Haggadah in Depth Part 1 Understanding the answer to the Four Questions. If G-d would not have taken us out, would we really still be slaves in Egypt? This class begins from right after the child asks the Four Questions, and covers the paragraph “Avadim Hayinu” (We were slaves in Egypt).

100

Passover Wine: 4x4

Mar 4, 2018

57:54

The Talmud on the Pesach Seder, Lesson 6 (Daf/Page 109a) This class provides a comprehensive overview of the notion of Halachic sizes and measures comprising the specific parameters of the fulfillment of many Mitzvahs. This discussion serves as an intro to understanding the Talmud’s analysis of the required volume and other technical details – all related to properly drinking the proverbial four glasses of wine at the Seder. This session ultimately concludes with pragmatic instructions and practical application of these Torah theorems.

Passover/Pesach With Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Passover/Pesach With Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

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