In the Pesach Hagadda, we recount the story of the five Tanna'im who had a seder together in Bnei Brak. What is the significance of this story, and what were they discussing? This shiur suggests that they were talking about how to apply the lessons of the exodus from Egypt to their own times.
Chazal interpret the book of Shir Ha-Shirim, which is read on Pesach, as an allegory. In this shiur, we will demonstrate that this is indeed the straightforward understanding of the text.
When and how are we supposed to eat matza on the first night of Passover? Is it the first bite or the last which allows us to internalize the message of the holiday? How do we accomplish this in a time when we are separated from family and friends?
Each year, as we read the magnificent love story of Shir Ha-shirim, we encounter the sacred flames of passion between the Jewish people and the Almighty expressed in the work. Whose heart wouldn't be stirred by the depiction of the Dod (male lover), symbolizing God, knocking at his beloved's door, begging her to let him in, or by the riveting drama of the Re'aya (female lover) - the Jewish people - returning to her beloved as the mutual bonds of affection are restored?
Bnei Yisrael leave slavery, attain free choice, and through it all they must remember that "I am the Lord." "I" is a word that should shake each of us to his very foundations.
