Rabbi Shmuel Silber - Institute for Jewish Continuity

Rabbi Shmuel Silber - Dean

  • Email Signup
  • Contact
  • Schedule
  • Donate
  • About the Institute
    • IJC
    • About Rabbi Silber
    • Contact
  • Topics
    • Chassidic ThoughtChassidus
      • R’ Klonimus Kalmish SzapiroAish Kodesh
      • Chassidus on Parsha
      • Likutei Moharan: R’ Nachman m’Breslov
    • ParentingChinuch
    • TorahChumash
      • Bereishis
      • Noach
      • Lech Lecha
      • Vayera
      • Chayei Sarah
      • Toldos
      • Vayetzei
      • Vayishlach
      • Vayeshev
      • Miketz
      • Vayigash
      • Vayechi
      • Shemos
      • Vaeyra
      • Bo
      • Beshalach
      • Yisro
      • Mishpatim
      • Terumah
      • Titzaveh
      • Ki Sisa
      • Vayakhel
      • Pikudei
      • Vayikra
      • Tzav
      • Shmini
      • Tazriah
      • Metzorah
      • Acharei Mos
      • Kedoshim
      • Emor
      • Behar
      • Bechukosai
      • Bamidbar
      • Naso
      • Behaaloscha
      • Shelach
      • Korach
      • Chukas
      • Balak
      • Pinchas
      • Matos
      • Maasei
      • Devarim
      • Vaeschanan
      • Eikev
      • Re’eh
      • Shoftim
      • Ki Tetze
      • Ki Tavo
      • Netzavim
      • Vayelech
      • Haazinu
      • Vezos Haberacha
    • Jewish HomelandEretz Yisrael
      • Day of IndependenceYom Haatzmaut
      • Day of RemembranceYom Hazikaron
      • Jerusalem DayYom Yerushalayim
    • TalmudGemara
      • Berachos
      • Shabbos
      • Eruvin
      • Pesachim
      • Shekalim
      • Yoma
      • Succah
      • Beitzah
      • Rosh Hashana
      • Taanis
      • Megillah
      • Moed Katan
      • Chagigah
      • Yevamos
      • Kesuvos
      • Nedarim
      • Nazir
      • Sotah
      • Gittin
      • Kiddushin
      • Bava Kamma
      • Bava Metzia
      • Bava Basra
      • Sanhedrin
      • Makkos
      • Shevuos
      • Avodah Zara
      • Horayos
      • Zevachim
      • Menachos
      • Chullin
    • Contemporary Jewish LawHalacha
      • Guide to Jewish LawDaily Halacha
      • Mishna Berura DailyDaf Yomi B’halacha
      • Hilchos Shabbos
      • Sefer RambamHilchos Teshuva
      • Topics in HalachaLegal Holiday Series
      • Jewish Approach to Mental HealthMedical Ethics
      • Contemporary LawShulchan Aruch
    • Jewish ThoughtMachshava
      • Self ActualizationBilvavi Mishkan Evneh
      • Training for LifeChinuch
      • IntrospectionDa Es Atzmecha
      • The Garden of FaithGan HaEmunah
      • Path of the JustMesillas Yesharim
      • A Classic Work by R’ Moshe CordoveroTomer Devorah
      • Path to RepentanceShaarei Teshuva
    • Ethics of Our FathersPirkei Avos
    • Prophets & WritingsTanach
      • Psalms for the AgesSefer Tehillim
      • Visions of GreatnessSefer Daniel
      • The Journey HomeSefer Yonah
    • Purposeful PrayerTefillah
      • Psalms for the AgesTehillim
      • Dialogue with the DivinePurposeful Prayer
    • Repentance and ReflectionTeshuva
    • Jewish HolidaysYomim Tovim
      • The High HolidaysYomim Noraim
        • Maimonides on RepentanceRambam Hilchos Teshuva
      • Festival of LightsChanukah
      • TurnaboutPurim
      • Festival of FreedomPesach
      • Sanaitic RevelationShavuos
      • Counting of the OmerSefiras Haomer
      • Mourning the TempleTisha B’av
        • 3 Weeks
  • Daily Classes
    • The Student’s ObligationChovas Hatalmidim
    • Daily Talmud with Rabbi Shmuel SilberDaf Yomi
    • Daily Mishna with Rabbi RichterMishna
  • Weekly Classes
    • Practical ApplicationsHilchos Shabbos
    • R’ Nachman m’Breslov – Thurs.Likutei Moharan
    • Life LessonsParsha Class
    • Highlights from the TorahParsha For Beginners
    • Weekly Parsha EssayParsha Perspectives
    • Short Idea on the ParshaParsha Thought
    • Women’s WIT ClassPerek Shira
    • Ethics of Our FathersPirkei Avos
    • New Class Mon. NightsShulchan Aruch Chaburah
  • Email Signup
  • Donate
You are here: Home / Archives for Topics / Yomim Tovim / Pesach

Seeing and Believing: Insights on Shvii Shel Pesach

כ׳ בניסן תשע״ח (April 5, 2018) by Rabbi Shmuel Silber

https://files.rabbisilber.com/Shiurim/Seeing%20and%20Believing-Insights%20on%20Shvii%20Shel%20Pesach.mp3
Download

Beginning & Ending: Reflections on the Haggadah

י״ד בניסן תשע״ח (March 30, 2018) by Rabbi Shmuel Silber

At first glance, the Haggadah appears to be a collection of random verses, stories and statements. However, upon further reflection we come to understand the intentional yet, nuanced structure of this ancient script. The Talmud (Pesachim 115) explains Maschil B’Genus U’Misayeym B’Shevach, we begin with degradation and conclude with praise. We begin the Seder by discussing the “low points” or disparaging chapters of our national existence. The sages disagree as to which “low point” we should begin with. Shmuel explains that we begin with, “Avadim Hayinu, we were slaves.” We acknowledge that we did not begin as a nation of free men and women. We were slaves who served a human master. Rav opines, “Mitchila Ovdei Avoda Zara Hayu Avoseinu, in the beginning our forefathers were idolaters.” We were not always monotheists, we did not always pledge our allegiance to God, we served and paid homage to other gods. According to Shmuel, over the course of the Pesach Seder we work our way to celebrating our physical freedom. According Rav, the Seder is the opportunity to celebrate our newfound spiritual emancipation. Rav and Shmuel may disagree on the specific beginning and end points but do agree on the structure of the Seder night; Maschil B’Genus U’Misayeym B’Shevach, we begin with degradation and conclude with praise.

What is the meaning of this rabbinic framework? Why must we start with the negative or disparaging chapters of our national existence? Why not begin and end with our freedom, emancipation and positive identity as the nation of God?

The commentaries on the Haggadah share many approaches and answers. The Malbim (Rabbi Meir Leibush, 1809-1879) explains that the best way to make a dramatic point is through contrast. One appreciates light when one has been exposed to darkness. In order to fully appreciate the freedom granted to us on this sacred night, we must first acquaint ourselves with servitude. In order to feel physically free, we must spend time reminiscing, Avadaim Hayinu L’Pharoah B’Mitzrayim, we were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt. Only after we engage in historical reflection and taste some of the bitter marror, can we truly thank God for redeeming us. In order to fully celebrate our spiritual emancipation, we must reflect what it was like to be a spiritual wanderer, not knowing what to believe or how to connect. Mitchila Ovdei Avoda Zara Hayu Avoseinu, in the beginning our forefathers were idolaters. Only when we remember our past can we truly appreciate our future.

The great Maggid of Kohznitz (Rav Yisroel Hopstein, 1737-1814) provides another beautiful insight. The Maggid explains that the greatest danger we face in life is believing we are beyond salvation. A person may think to himself, “I have done so many terrible things, I have tarnished my soul, I have sullied my reputation, I have failed to actualize my potential; what hope is there for me?” Maschil B’Genus, even if the beginning is degrading, even if the beginning is stunted and handicapped, Misayeym B’Shevach, I choose how the story ends, I can change, I can live better, do better and create a beautiful future. We were slaves, we were more animal than man, we were viewed by others and we viewed ourselves as cattel and property. And yet, look at us now; we are a strong and free people. We were idolaters, spiritually bankrupt and estranged from God and yet, we managed to find our way home. We lifted ourselves from serving the creations of our hands to serving the King of Kings. We cannot always rewrite the past but we can absolutely decide how to script our future.

Perhaps, there is a third lesson as well. Life requires patience. Events occur and we search for answers. Situations unfold and we try desperately to understand their deeper meaning. We want insight and clarity and we want it now. Clarity will come but it often requires the passage of time. Maschil B’Genus U’Misayeym B’Shevach, we begin with degradation and conclude with praise, the difficult life situations will have a positive resolution (not necessarily the resolution we desire, but positive nevertheless). However, just as it takes time to reach the Shevach (praise) contained within the Haggadah; it takes time to see our personal praise and resolution as well. It will come, but we must be patient.

Maschil B’Genus U’Misayeym B’Shevach, we begin with degradation and conclude with praise; the rabbis were not simply giving us a format for the Haggadah, they were providing us with a format for life. To actualize our freedom and maximize our ability to shape our personal and national destiny we must internalize the messages of the Haggadah. We must remember that while building our future; we must reflect on the events and messages of our past. No matter how far we have wandered, no matter how estranged we have become from God, ourselves and one another, no person is beyond salvation. We must bear in mind that resolution, understanding and happiness will come to those who are patient enough to wait.

Sourcesheet

Pre-Pesach Insights Part 6: Come and Eat-Reflections on Erev Pesach

י״ד בניסן תשע״ח (March 30, 2018) by Rabbi Shmuel Silber

https://files.rabbisilber.com/Shiurim/Come%20and%20Eat-Reflections%20on%20Erev%20Pesach.mp3
Download

Pre-Pesach Insights Part 5: Searching for Chometz-Inspiration for Erev Pesach

י״ג בניסן תשע״ח (March 29, 2018) by Rabbi Shmuel Silber

https://files.rabbisilber.com/Shiurim/Searching%20for%20Chametz-Inspiration%20for%20Erev%20Yom%20Tov.mp3
Download

Pre-Pesach Seder Insights Part 4: Yachatz-Breaking and Building

י״ב בניסן תשע״ח (March 28, 2018) by Rabbi Shmuel Silber

https://files.rabbisilber.com/Shiurim/Yachatz-Breaking%20and%20Building.mp3
Download

Pre-Pesach Seder Insights Part 3: Karpas-A Little Potato Goes a Long Way

י׳ בניסן תשע״ח (March 26, 2018) by Rabbi Shmuel Silber

https://files.rabbisilber.com/Shiurim/Karpas-A%20Little%20Potato%20Goes%20A%20Long%20Way.mp3
Download

Pre-Pesach Seder Insights Part 2: Urchatz-Washing it all Away

ו׳ בניסן תשע״ח (March 22, 2018) by Rabbi Shmuel Silber

https://files.rabbisilber.com/Shiurim/Urchatz-Washing%20it%20all%20Away.mp3
Download

Pre-Pesach Seder Insights Part 1: Kadesh-Cessation & Sanctification

ה׳ בניסן תשע״ח (March 21, 2018) by Rabbi Shmuel Silber

https://files.rabbisilber.com/Shiurim/Kadesh-Cessation%20and%20Sanctification.mp3
Download

The True Meaning of Freedom – Pesach Insights

כ״ח באדר תשע״ח (March 15, 2018) by Rabbi Shmuel Silber

https://files.rabbisilber.com/Shiurim/The%20True%20Meaning%20of%20Freedom-Pesach%20Insights.mp3
Download

Finding Meaning in the Pieces – Insights on the Seder and the Yom Tov of Pesach

כ״ז באדר תשע״ח (March 14, 2018) by Rabbi Shmuel Silber

https://files.rabbisilber.com/Shiurim/Pesach%205778-Haggadah-Yachatz.mp3
Download
Sourcesheet
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 6
  • Next Page »

Recent Classes

Chovas Hatalmidim: Chapter 10 Part 7

https://files.rabbisilber.com/Chovas%20Hatalmidim/Chapter%2010-part7.mp3
Download

Chullin 86 with Rabbi Shmuel Silber

https://files.rabbisilber.com/DafYomi/Chullin/86.mp3
Download

Chovas Hatalmidim: Chapter 10 Part 6

https://files.rabbisilber.com/Chovas%20Hatalmidim/Chapter%2010-part6.mp3
Download

Mishna-Sheviis 1:1

https://files.rabbisilber.com/Mishna/Sheviis_1_1.mp3
Download

Chullin 85 with Rabbi Shmuel Silber

https://files.rabbisilber.com/DafYomi/Chullin/85.mp3
Download

© 2019 · Rabbi Shmuel Silber · Institute for Jewish Continuity · Sitemap

  • About the Institute
    ▼
    • IJC
    • About Rabbi Silber
    • Contact
  • Topics
    ▲
    • Chassidus
      ▼
      • Aish Kodesh
      • Chassidus on Parsha
      • Likutei Moharan: R’ Nachman m’Breslov
    • Chinuch
    • Chumash
      ▼
      • Bereishis
      • Noach
      • Lech Lecha
      • Vayera
      • Chayei Sarah
      • Toldos
      • Vayetzei
      • Vayishlach
      • Vayeshev
      • Miketz
      • Vayigash
      • Vayechi
      • Shemos
      • Vaeyra
      • Bo
      • Beshalach
      • Yisro
      • Mishpatim
      • Terumah
      • Titzaveh
      • Ki Sisa
      • Vayakhel
      • Pikudei
      • Vayikra
      • Tzav
      • Shmini
      • Tazriah
      • Metzorah
      • Acharei Mos
      • Kedoshim
      • Emor
      • Behar
      • Bechukosai
      • Bamidbar
      • Naso
      • Behaaloscha
      • Shelach
      • Korach
      • Chukas
      • Balak
      • Pinchas
      • Matos
      • Maasei
      • Devarim
      • Vaeschanan
      • Eikev
      • Re’eh
      • Shoftim
      • Ki Tetze
      • Ki Tavo
      • Netzavim
      • Vayelech
      • Haazinu
      • Vezos Haberacha
    • Eretz Yisrael
      ▼
      • Yom Haatzmaut
      • Yom Hazikaron
      • Yom Yerushalayim
    • Gemara
      ▼
      • Berachos
      • Shabbos
      • Eruvin
      • Pesachim
      • Shekalim
      • Yoma
      • Succah
      • Beitzah
      • Rosh Hashana
      • Taanis
      • Megillah
      • Moed Katan
      • Chagigah
      • Yevamos
      • Kesuvos
      • Nedarim
      • Nazir
      • Sotah
      • Gittin
      • Kiddushin
      • Bava Kamma
      • Bava Metzia
      • Bava Basra
      • Sanhedrin
      • Makkos
      • Shevuos
      • Avodah Zara
      • Horayos
      • Zevachim
      • Menachos
      • Chullin
    • Halacha
      ▼
      • Daily Halacha
      • Daf Yomi B’halacha
      • Hilchos Shabbos
      • Hilchos Teshuva
      • Legal Holiday Series
      • Medical Ethics
      • Shulchan Aruch
    • Machshava
      ▼
      • Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh
      • Chinuch
      • Da Es Atzmecha
      • Gan HaEmunah
      • Mesillas Yesharim
      • Tomer Devorah
      • Shaarei Teshuva
    • Pirkei Avos
    • Tanach
      ▼
      • Sefer Tehillim
      • Sefer Daniel
      • Sefer Yonah
    • Tefillah
      ▼
      • Tehillim
      • Purposeful Prayer
    • Teshuva
    • Yomim Tovim
      ▲
      • Yomim Noraim
      • Chanukah
      • Purim
      • Pesach
      • Shavuos
      • Sefiras Haomer
      • Tisha B’av
  • Daily Classes
    ▼
    • Chovas Hatalmidim
    • Daf Yomi
    • Mishna
  • Weekly Classes
    ▼
    • Hilchos Shabbos
    • Likutei Moharan
    • Parsha Class
    • Parsha For Beginners
    • Parsha Perspectives
    • Parsha Thought
    • Perek Shira
    • Pirkei Avos
    • Shulchan Aruch Chaburah
  • Email Signup
  • Donate