At the Seder we read about the four sons and learn how to relate to each of them. When the wise son asks us to explain the laws and customs of Passover, we respond by teaching him the laws beginning with the regulations relating to the Afikomen. Out of all the fundamental laws relating...
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One of the most important lessons we can learn from Passover is to literally “pass over” the stuff that really isn’t that important but that constantly seems to stress us out. So, when you feel that anger, frustration, and mega-stress taking over and threatening to ruin your day — “pass over” it. Hop right...
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During the seder, when the wise son eagerly inquires as to the details of the laws of Pesach, the Haggadah tells us to begin by teaching him the laws of the Afikomen. Out of all of the important laws of Pesach, why is the afikomen chosen? The term “Afikoman” is derived from the Greek...
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Every Passover we sing a beautiful song towards the end of the Seder. The refrain of the song is “Dayenu”, which means “it would be enough for us”. The song enumerates the great miracles performed for the Jewish people from the Exodus until their entrance into the Land of Israel and after each one...
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I recently was searching for a spot in the Mamilla parking lot in Jerusalem. Empty parking spots were scarce, and the traffic in the lot was building. I let a driver merge into the lane in front of me seconds before a spot opened up. The driver quickly moved into position to snag the...
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Chametz is prohibited on Pesach. What is it? One of the five grains (wheat, rye, oats, spelt, barley) mixed with water,and left idle for more than 18 minutes. As long as the dough is worked (kneaded), it cannot become Chametz. Our sages teach that Chametz represents haughtiness and ego (Guy-vah). On Pesach we destroy...
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