Passover/Pesach With Rabbi Mendel Kaplan Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

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
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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