Apr 10, 2025
Pesach | Birkat HaShir (2), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
Why is "Nishmat Kol Chai" the appropriate hymn with which to finish Leil haSeder?
As we discussed in the previous shiur, the liturgical poem "Nishmat Kol Chai" is quite ancient and predates the era of the פייטנים. It is mentioned by R. Yochanan as the "Birkat...
Apr 3, 2025
Pesach | Birkat HaShir (1), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
Why do we almost finish the Berakhah after Hallel at the Seder - then abruptly switch to Hallel haGadol and Nishmat?
Our common practice is to read the Hallel over the fourth cup of wine, after which we nearly finish the blessing customarily recited after Hallel - but...
Mar 27, 2025
Pesach | Introduction to Midrash Arami Oved Avi, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
Why was Devarim 26:5-8 selected to be the base text for the retelling of the Exodus at the Seder?
As the Mishna (Pesachim 10:4) codifies, the core text to be used in telling the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim is Devarim 26:5-8 - "Arami Oved Avi"...
Mar 20, 2025
Pesach | From Disgrace to Praise: A Reassessment, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
What is the purpose of the texts between "Avadim Hayyinu" until "Arami Oved Avi"?
The "Maggid" section of our Haggada has two central components - the first of which is the Midrash on "Arami Oved Avi" and the other is Rabban Gamliel's...
Mar 13, 2025
Purim | Mordekhai Would Not Bow...Why Not? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
The critical catalyst for the story of Purim is Mordekhai's refusal, as a member of Ahashverosh's court, to show obeisance to Haman. The text never explicates the rationale behind this decision, in spite of its centrality to the plot. We survey...