PASSOVER

By Hillel ben David (Greg Killian)

 


I. Introduction.. 1

II. Our Redemption.. 3

III. Torah Readings for Passover.. 5

IV. The Appointed Time.. 7

V. Passover Events. 9

VI. HaShem's Passover and the Firstborn.. 32

VII. Chametz.. 38

A Mystical Insight.. 38

The Pesach Experience.. 41

VIII. Names given to the Passover Festival.. 44

IX. Passover vs. Unleavened Bread.. 44

X. Passover Customs. 47

XI. Elijah and Passover.. 63

XII. The second Passover.. 64

XIII. Passover symbols. 64

XIV. Halachah.. 68

XV. The Haggadah.. 69

The Order of the Seder.. 70

The First Section.. 71

The Second Section.. 74

The Third Section.. 74

The Fourth Section.. 75

The Fifth Section.. 76

The Sixth Section.. 76

In Conclusion.. 76

XVI. Counting the Omer.. 78

XVII. Quotes. 79

 

I. Introduction

 

Pesach, Hebrew for Passover, begins on the 15th day of the first month. The festival lasts for seven (eight days in the diaspora) days, in eretz Israel, and ends on the 21st (22nd for those in the diaspora) day of the first month, for those who live in eretz Israel.

 

On Passover we celebrate the liberation of HaShem’s people from Egyptian slavery and, together with it, the liberation from, and negation of the ancient Egyptian system and way of life, the "abominations of Egypt." Thus we celebrate our physical liberation together with our spiritual freedom. Indeed, there cannot be one without the other: there can be no real freedom without accepting the precepts of our Torah guiding our daily life; pure and holy living eventually leads to real freedom.

 

Strong’s defines Passover, from its first usage in Torah, as:

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; [with] your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it [is] HaShem’s Passover.

+----------------------------------------------+

6453 pecach, peh'-sakh; from 6452; a pretermission, i.e. exemption; used only tech. of the Jewish Passover (the festival or the victim):-Passover (offering).

 

---------------- Dictionary Trace ----------------

6452 pacach, paw-sakh'; a prim. root; to hop, i.e. (fig.) skip over (or spare); by impl. to hesitate; also (lit.) to limp, to dance:-halt, become lame, leap, pass over.

 

One of the major festivals in the Torah is Passover. It is a holiday of rejoicing when Jews all over the world recall their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The word Passover comes from the idea that HaShem passed over the houses of the Israelites, who had marked their doorposts to signify that they were children of HaShem. This way the firstborn sons of Israel were spared when HaShem smote the firstborn sons of the Egyptian taskmasters on the eve of the Exodus. The sons of Israel were thus redeemed from the land of sin, Egypt, and redeemed from Pharaoh to serve HaShem.

 

The Number Four (4)

 

As you study the Passover, notice how often the number four shows up. The great Kabbalist, the Maharal of Prague, teaches that when something is true, it is true on every possible plane. It is true philosophically, linguistically, mathematically and spiritually.

 

And so we learn that the number four is the number more than any other that encapsulates the message of exile and redemption, otherwise it would not be the one used. Keep in mind that our Sages teach us that the Egyptian exile is the prototype for all future exiles (see the redemption study for more on this topic)..

 

We were in exile, estranged from our land and from our G-d. Therefore, HaShem, Blessed be He, redeemed us with four:

 

Shemot (Exodus) 6:6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel,

1.         I [am] HaShem, and

2.         I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and

3.         I will rid you out of their bondage, and

4.         I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

 

The redemption of Shemot 6:6 is represented by the four cups of wine.

 

The Midrash Rabbah explains that the four cups of wine correspond to these four stages of redemption. By contrast, the Gemara says:

 

Pesachim 117b R. Hanan said to Raba: This proves that Grace after meals requires a cup [of wine]. Said he to him: Our Rabbis instituted four cups as symbolizing freedom: let us perform a religious act with each.

 

The Gemara indicates that the number four expresses freedom, and connects each cup to a particular mitzva of the seder night: the first cup is that of Kiddush; over the second cup we recite the haggadah; the third cup is that of birkhat Hamazon (Grace after the Meal); and over the fourth cup we recite hallel.

 

4 cups of wine.

 

The four questions reflect, that our redemption, if we are to be redeemed, must come about when we leave exile and leave estrangement from HaShem. The question of the wise son reflects that we are only truly free when we stop serving the world and start serving HaShem:

 

- If we are free, why do we still eat matza -- "the bread of affliction"?

 

- If we want to recall the bitterness of servitude by eating bitter herbs, why do we recline like royalty?

 

- Why do we dip our food luxuriously in what represents our tears?

 

4 questions.

 

This exile and estrangement from HaShem embitters the wicked son. He wants to retreat back into the comforting complacency of spiritual exile.

 

It mystifies the son who no longer believes in answers. We must use the empathy and compassion that a mother would have for her child to free him enough to listen.

 

But the same paradox frees the simple son to redefine what the experience means to him.

 

The freest of all is the wise son. Once the door is open, he asks the most honest question of all "How shall I serve the God who has made me free?"

 

4 sons.

 

The nation of Israel became full and complete upon the fulfillment of the fourth utterance of redemption, the fourth and final stage in their development.

 

Celebrated on the 10 + 4th day of Nisan.

 

The women came to His Majesty’s empty grave on the fourth day of Passover.

 

The Jews came out of Mitzrayim (Egypt) after 4 x 100 years:

 

Bereshit (Genesis) 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land [that is] not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

 

The Jews came out of Mitzrayim in the 4th generation:

 

Bereshit (Genesis) 15:13 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet full.

 

We may eat chametz on Erev Pesach only until the end of the fourth hour ("zemanis"), i.e., only within the first third of the day.

 

The festival of Passover is given four different names in either the Bible and in the oral Torah:

 

1. The Festival of Pesach - Shemot 34:25.

2. The Festival of Matzoth - Shemot 23:15.

3. The Time of Freedom and Redemption -(Mishna Pesachim 10:5).

4. The Festival of Spring - Devarim 16:1.

 

"four cups of comfort which HaShem will in the future give the Jewish people to drink."

 

In the first chapter of Yechezkel, the number four in various ways, appears fourteen times. As the Jews are going into the Babylonian exile, HaShem informs us that He is going into exile as well.

 

So, as you study Passover, notice how intimately the number four is woven into the fabric of this feast. Remember:

 

The number four signals a

whole, a fullness, and a completion. It signals exile, but, it also signals redemption!

 

Forty (40) is 10 X 4 and is therefore intimately associated with the number four. You will also see this number showing up repeatedly in the story of our exile and redemption. Some well known examples are:

 

Moses was 40 years in Mitzrayim, 40 years in Midian, and 40 years in the wilderness.

 

Moses went up on mount Sinai three different times for 40 days each.

 

The spies spied out the land for 40 days.

 

The Children of Israel were in the wilderness for 40 years.

 

II. Our Redemption

 

The primary theme of Passover is REDEMPTION. The Torah indicates that each of God's people was redeemed from Egypt, therefore each one of us must come to regard himself as though he had personally gone out of Egypt.

 

Micah 6:1-9 Listen to what HaShem says: "Stand up, plead your case before the mountains; let the hills hear what you have to say. Hear, O mountains, HaShem’s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For HaShem has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel. "My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me. I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam. My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember [your journey] from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of HaShem." With what shall I come before HaShem and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will HaShem be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does HaShem require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Listen! HaShem is calling to the city--and to fear your name is wisdom--"Heed the rod and the One who appointed it.

 

Unless we see the Passover as though God had personally redeemed each of us, we will fail to understand what Passover is all about. Passover is all about OUR redemption!

 

Shemot (Exodus) 13:14-16 "In days to come, when your son asks you, 'What does this mean?' say to him, 'With a mighty hand HaShem brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, HaShem killed every firstborn in Egypt, both man and animal. This is why I sacrifice to HaShem the first male offspring of every womb and redeem each of my firstborn sons.' And it will be like a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead that HaShem brought us out of Egypt with his mighty hand."

 

As you study Passover, notice how often the Torah addresses us personally.

 

Every redemption of the sons of Israel will be patterned after the redemption from Egypt, even if it does not have the elements of miracles and signs. In "Derishat Tzion," Rabbi Kalisher includes a chapter advocating offering the Pesach sacrifice in modern times, as if to emphasize that the Egyptian redemption is the source and the inspiration for all later events. Indeed, even the Prophets speak of our future redemption in relationship to our redemption from Egypt:

 

Micah 7:12-17 In that day people will come to you from Assyria and the cities of Egypt, even from Egypt to the Euphrates and from sea to sea and from mountain to mountain. The earth will become desolate because of its inhabitants, as the result of their deeds. Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, which lives by itself in a forest, in fertile pasturelands. Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as in days long ago. "As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show them my wonders." Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their power. They will lay their hands on their mouths and their ears will become deaf. They will lick dust like a snake, like creatures that crawl on the ground. They will come trembling out of their dens; they will turn in fear to HaShem our God and will be afraid of you.

 

The Talmud also speaks of our future redemption in relation to Passover:

 

Rosh HaShana 11a On New Year the bondage of our ancestors in Egypt ceased;[1] in Nisan they were redeemed and in Nisan they will be redeemed in the time to come. R. Yahoshua (Joshua) says: In Nisan the world was created; in Nisan the Patriarchs were born; in Nisan the Patriarchs died; on Passover Isaac was born; on New Year Sarah, Rachel and Hannah were visited; on New Year Joseph went forth from prison; on New Year the bondage of our ancestors ceased in Egypt; and in Nisan they will be redeemed in time to come.

 

Rosh HaShana 11b On New Year the bondage of our ancestors ceased in Egypt’. It is written in one place, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians,[2] and it is written in another place, I removed his shoulder from the burden.[3] ‘In Nisan they were delivered’, as Scripture recounts. ‘In Tishri they will be delivered in time to come’. This is learnt from the two occurrences of the word ‘horn’. It is written in one place, Blow the horn on the new moon,[4] and it is written in another place, In that day a great horn shall be blown.[5] ‘R. Yahoshua (Joshua) says, In Nisan they were delivered, in Nisan they will be delivered in the time to come’. Whence do we know this? — Scripture calls [the Passover] ‘a night of watchings’,[6] [which means], a night which has been continuously watched for from the six days of the creation. What says the other to this? — [He says it means], a night which is under constant protection against evil spirits.[7]

 

As you study prophecy regarding the "Acharit HaYamim”, the end of days, notice the striking similarity of our future redemption, to our redemption from Egypt.

 

The redemption from Egypt could have been the Final Redemption. This helps us understand the exchange between Moshe and HaShem at the burning bush. Moshe asked HaShem, "Why do you choose me to redeem your people? Send, instead, Pinchas/Elijah, who you have chosen to redeem your people at the End of Days!"[8] Moshe was suggesting that the redemption from Egypt ought to be a full and final one. HaShem answered, that the time had not yet come for a final redemption.

 

Thus we see that the Targum associates the “end of days” with the seventh day of Pesach!

 

Moshe himself, the greatest of the Prophets and his sister, Miriam, who was also a great Prophetess, sing / sang the “the Song of the Sea”, which according to Chazal was not focused on the event that had just transpired, the splitting of the sea, but actually on the future of the people of Israel, specifically at the time of "Acharit HaYamim," the "End of Days".

 

III. Torah Readings for Passover

 

Ok, lets begin our study of Passover, by examining the traditional Torah, and Haftorah, readings that the Sages have compiled for Passover. These are the most important passages for us to remember as we look forward to our redemption. Remember that there are no Nazarean Codicil associated in this list, because the Nazarean Codicil were not yet written at the time that these readings were compiled.


 

 


Traditional readings for Passover

 

Date

Torah[9]

Nevi'im[10]

Ketuvim[11]

 

 

 

 

Nisan 14

Shemot (Exodus) 12:21-51

Yahoshua (Joshua) 3:5-7

Tehilim (Psalm) 113 – 118

 

Bamidbar (Numbers) 28:16-25

Yahoshua (Joshua) 5:2 - 6:1

 

 

 

Yahoshua (Joshua) 6:27

 

Nisan 15

Vayikra (Leviticus) 22:26 - 23:44

Melakim alef (I Kings) 23:1-9

Tehilim (Psalm) 113 – 118

Nisan 16-20

 

 

Tehilim (Psalm) 113, 114, 115:12-18,

 

 

 

Tehilim (Psalm) 116:12-19, 117, 118

 

 

 

(Half Hallel)

Intermediate Shabbat

Shemot (Exodus) 33:12 - 34:26

Yehezekel (Ezekiel) 36:37- 37:14

Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs)

Nisan 21

Shemot (Exodus) 13:17 - 15:26

Shmuel bet (II Samuel) 22:1-51

 

 

Bamidbar (Numbers) 28:19-25

 

 

Nisan 22

Devarim (Deuteronomy) 15:19 - 16:17

Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 10:32 - 12:6

 

 

Bamidbar (Numbers) 28:19-25

 

 

 

 

 


IV. The Appointed Time

 

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, begin late in the afternoon of Nisan 14. ait is an appointment with HaShem! The Passover seder begins after sunset on Nisan 15. Nisan 15, Passover, is therefore longer because we have added some time from Nisan 14 to Nisan 15. Lets see where this is defined in the scriptures:

 

Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:5 HaShem’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month.

 

Shemot (Exodus) 13:4 Today, in the month of Abib, you are leaving.

 

5761, September 2001 through September 2007 (approximately), marks the 3,320th anniversary of the Exodus from Egypt. (Midrash Mechilta, B'shalach 2).

 

Now, lets examine a chronology of Yeshua's last week of life as it relates to Passover: The Sages teach us that we do not celebrate Passover because of the events which happened in Egypt during the days of Moses. Rather, we celebrate Passover, on Nisan 15, because this was the date, ordained before the creation of the world, for HaShem’s mighty acts of redemption.

 

The following is the chronology of the Passover week, in the days of Mashiach ben Yoseph, which I learned from my teacher, His Eminence Hakham Dr. Yoseph ben Haggai.

 

* * *

 

NISAN 13

 

EVENING (End of Nisan 12 Beginning of Nisan 13) - Tuesday Evening that year

 

 a.. Sadducees search for Chametz

 

MORNING (Nisan 13) - Wednesday morning that year

 

 b.. Sadducees burn Chametz before mid-day

 

AFTERNOON (Nisan 13) - Wednesday about or after 3:00 p.m. in that year

 

 c.. Sadducees kill the Korban Pesach

 

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NISAN 14

 

Evening (End of Nisan 13 Beginning of Nisan 14) - Wednesday evening in that year:

 

 a.. Sadducees eat their Korban Pesach and have the Pesach Seder

 

 b.. Mashiach partakes with his Talmidim of this Korban Pesach (only on this year) since the dispute on when the Korban Pesach was to be killed was for the sake of heaven (i.e. that he could eat one and die on the other).

 

 c.. Pharisees search for the Chametz

 

 

Late Evening (Nisan 14) Wednesday night that year:

 

 a.. Messiah is apprehended by the Temple Garden at Gat-Sh'manim (Gethsemane) whilst praying.

 

 b.. Messiah is interrogated by the illegitimate High Priest and Priests and delivered to Pilate.

 

Morning (Nisan 14) - Thursday morning that year:

 

 a.. Pharisees dispose of the leaven

 

 b.. Messiah is tried by Pilate and following the counsel of the illegitimate Priests is disposed off by being sentenced to death

 

Afternoon (Nisan 14) - Thursday afternoon at bout 3:00 p.m. that year:

 

 a.. Messiah dies hanging on a Roman cross at Maqom Gilgulet for sedition

 

 b.. Pharisees are killing their Korban Pesach

 

 c.. Mashiach is hurriedly laid in a borrowed tomb

 

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NISAN 15 - CHAG MATSAH (one day only in Eretz Israel)

 

Evening (Ending Nisan 14 and Beginning of Nisan 15) - Thursday evening of that year

 

 a.. Pharisees eat their Korban Pesach and have their Pesach Seder

 

Morning and afternoon of Nisan 15 - Friday morning and afternoon of that year

 

 b.. Proper embalming of Messiah

 

 c.. Door of tomb is sealed by order of the Kohanim with a great stone

 

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NISAN 16 - SHABBAT CHOL HAMOED PESACH

 

Evening (Ending Nisan 15 and Beginning Nisan 16) - Friday night of that year

 

 a.. Kabbalat Shabbat for all (Sadducees, Pharisees and Nazareans) - no work allowed

 

Evening (Ending Nisan 16 and Beginning Nisan 17) Saturday evening of that year

 

 a.. Messiah is risen from the dead sometime during Shabbat

 

 b.. Havdallah (many of the prayers in this service concern the topic of resurrection - and the ritual of extinguishing (transporting) a life (light) from the day (dimension) which is all Shabbat and injecting it into the dimension of time of the living on earth - the sea of wine on the dish)

 

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NISAN 17 - Yom Rishon [Chol HaMoed Pesach]

 

Evening (Ending Nisan 16 and Beginning Nisan 17) Saturday evening of that year

 

 a.. Pharisees cut the first of the first fruits and start counting the Omer since the previous day was Shabbat

 

 b.. Sadducees also start counting the Omer

 

Dawn - Early morning Nisan 17 - Sunday morning that year

 

 a.. Women visit the tomb

 

 b.. Big earthquake

 

 c.. Soldiers guarding the tomb flee for their lives and inform the corrupt Kohanim of that time

 

 d.. Women are informed by an angel not to fear and that their Master has risen

 

 e.. Miriam is asked not to touch him since he is "not yet ascended (presented) to the Father"

 

Morning service Nisan 17 at the Temple - Sunday Morning of that year

 

 a.. The Omer is waved by the High Priest before Ha-Shem at the Bet HaMikdash

 

 b.. Messiah ascends through the 7 heavens (figurative of the seven days) and composed like the ashes of the red heifer of "ESH" (fire) and "MAYIM" (water) and which purify him from his state of ceremonial uncleanness to present himself as the wave offering (first of the first fruits) before Ha-Shem's throne of Glory. Offering accepted.

 

Afternoon Nisan 17 - Sunday afternoon of that year

 

 a.. Mashiach returns back that same day to earth and again transverses through the seven heavens (a figure of the seven days a person unclean by touching a corpse must wait before being purified, and composed like the waters of the Red Heifer of Aish (fire) and Mayim (water) and is purified once more).

 

 b.. "That very day" His Majesty appears to two of his very terrified Talmidim on the way to a village about seven miles from Yerushalayim called Amma'us and chats and teaches Torah to them.

 

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IYAR 18 - LAG BAOMER

 

Morning/Afternoon

 

After a period of 40 days teaching his Talmidim after his resurrection (2 Luqas (Acts) 1:3), Mashiach ascends finally to the heavens (2 Luqas 1:6-11), awaiting his return at the time appointed by Ha-Shem, Most Blessed be He!

 

Israel was forty years in the Sinai Wilderness. G-d had shown Moshe the Heavenly Tabernacle, or Temple, and had instructed Moshe to make a Tabernacle in the wilderness alike the order of the one shown to him at the mountain. It took one year to build the Tabernacle of Israel, which Israel used as the meeting place of G-d with them for the remaining thirty-nine years. During those thirty-nine years, Israel spent six years moving about with the Tabernacle dismantled and unused. This brings us to the point that the Tabernacle of Israel was in use as the meeting place for G-d and His people for exactly thirty-three years of the forty years of the wilderness experience.

 

In the Jewish year of 3828 on the ninth day of the month of Av, the Romans destroyed the Temple for the second time. However, Titus, alike Nebuchadnezzar, put Jerusalem under siege on the day of Lag B'Omer.

 

When His Majesty King Yeshua was Lag B'Omer in age (thirty-three years of age) his body (temple) was put to death by the Roman execution of the cross.

 

I believe that when Yeshua ascended, He was fulfilling His obligation to send us a Comforter to instruct us in all wisdom. Amen and therefore triumph over Nebuchadnezzar and Pilate ...

 

Notes:

 a.. Nowadays, and after the calendrical reform at the hands of the Pharisees who sit on Moshe’s seat of authority, the calendar has been so engineered as to prevent the counting of the Omer according to the Pharisees to ever coincide with the counting of the Omer according to the Sadducees as it happened that year.

 

 b.. Our contention is that in that year in which the events of the death of His Majesty took place (before the calendrical reform) the counting of the Omer occurred coincidentally on the same day for both Pharisees and Sadducees.

 

 c.. We further contend that the dispute concerning when to eat the Korban Pesach (the night beginning, or the night ending the 14th of Nisan) was one for the sake of Heaven, and which G-d allowed so that His Mashiach could eat and partake of the Korban Pesach of the Sadducees and die at the same time that the Perushim were killing their Korban Pesach as Hakham Shaul (himself a Perushim) informs us in 1 Cor. 5:7.

 

 

V. Passover Events

 

Because Nisan 15 is appointed as a day for redemption, we ought to be able to see other Torah events which have the same themes as the redemption from Egypt. Any event which mimics these themes can be identified as occurring on Nisan 15. Lets examine a couple of the more obvious events which took place on Nisan 15:

 


 

Event

Delivered from:

Scripture

 

 

 

Abram leaves Ur

The exile in Ur

Bereshit (Genesis) 15:6-16

Abram goes to Egypt

Egyptian bondage and exile

Bereshit (Genesis) 12:10 - 13:4

Angels visit Abraham

Circumcision pain

Bereshit (Genesis) 18:1-18

Angels visit Lot

The Sodom exile

Bereshit (Genesis) 19:1-29

Isaac is born and is Bound

Jews delivered from death

Bereshit (Genesis) 18:1-10

Yeshua is born and is bound

Gentiles delivered from death

Marqos (Mark) 15:37-42

 


In the Haggadah we read of the following Passover events:

 

Of old, You performed many miracles by night. At the beginning of the first watch of this night.

 

To the righteous convert (Abraham) You gave victory when there was divided for him the night.

 

You judged the king of Gerar (Abimelech with death) in a dream by night.

 

You frightened the Aramean (Laban) in the dark of night.

 

Israel (Jacob) fought with an angel and overcame him by night.

 

The first-born children of the Egyptians You crushed at midnight.

 

They did not find their host when they arose at night.

 

You swept away the army of the prince of Charoshes (Sisera) with the stars of night.

 

The blasphemer (Senacherib) had planned to raise his hand against Jerusalem; You laid low his dead by night.

 

The idol Bel was overthrown, with its pedestal, in the darkness of the night.

 

To Daniel, in whom You delighted, the secret vision was revealed at night.

 

He who caroused from the holy vessels (Belshazzar) was slain on that same night.

 

From the lions' den was rescued he who interpreted the meaning of the terrors of the night.

 

Haman bore hatred in his heart and wrote proscriptions at night.

 

You began Your triumph over him when You disturbed the sleep of his king at night.

 

You will tread the wine-press to help those who ask the watchman, 'Ah, when will there be an end to the long night?'

 

He will exclaim, like a watchman and say" 'Morning will come after this night.'

 

Bring near the day (with the coming of Mashiach), that is neither day nor night.

Show, Most High, that Yours is the day as well as the night.

 

Appoint watchmen to Your city (Jerusalem) by day and by night.

 

Illumine as with the light of day, the darkness of the night.

 

The following is said on the second night of Pesach. On the first night, skip the next passage.

 

You displayed wondrously Your mighty powers on Passover.

 

Above all festivals You elevated Passover.

 

To the Oriental (Abraham) You revealed the future midnight of Passover.

 

At his door You knocked in the heat of the day on Passover.

 

He satiated the angels with matza-cakes on Passover.

 

And he ran to the herd, symbolic of the sacrificial beast of Passover.

 

The Sodomites provoked (God) and were destroyed by fire on Passover.

 

Lot was withdrawn from them, he had baked matzoth at the time of           Passover.

 

You swept clean the soil of Moph and Noph (Egypt) when You passed through on            Passover.

 

God, You crushed every firstborn of On (In Egypt) on the watchful night of Passover.

 

But Master, Your own firstborn, You skipped by merit of the blood of Passover.

 

Not to allow the Destroyer to enter my doors on Passover.

 

The beleaguered (Jericho) was besieged on Passover.

 

Midian was destroyed with a barley cake from the Omer of Passover.

 

The princes of Pul and Lud (Assyria) were consumed in a great conflagration on    Passover.

 

He (Senacherib) would have stood that day at Nob, but for the advent of Passover.

 

A hand inscribed the destruction of Zul (Babylon) on Passover.

 

As the watch was set, and the royal table decked on Passover.

 

Hadassah (Esther) gathered her people for a three day fast on Passover.

 

You caused the head of the evil clan (Haman) to be hanged on a fifty-cubit gallows on     Passover.

 

Doubly, will You bring in an instant upon Utsis (Edom) on Passover.

 

Let Your hand be strong, and Your right arm exalted as on the night when You hallowed the festival of Passover.

 

The Bereshit (Genesis) Passover

 

Bereshit (Genesis) 18:1-10 HaShem appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way--now that you have come to your servant." "Very well," they answered, "do as you say." So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. "Quick," he said, "get three se’ahs of fine flour and knead it and bake some bread." Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree. "Where is your wife Sarah?" they asked him. "There, in the tent," he said. Then HaShem said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son." Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.

 

The only kind of bread that you can make quickly is matza (unleavened bread). That same day the angels saw Lot:

 

Here we have an apparent Passover because of the

 

1. Unleavened bread.

2. The haste.

3. The leaving of Sodom.

4. Bereshit (Genesis) 18:14 contains the Hebrew word, moed, which means an appointed time. This is the Hebrew word that also is translated "festival". All of God's festivals are called moed.

 

The Midrash agrees with this assessment:

 

Midrash Rabbah - Shemot (Exodus) XV:12 AND THEY SHALL TAKE OF THE BLOOD, AND PUT IT ON THE TWO SIDE-POSTS (XII, 7): So that I may pass over you and protect you.’ Take care that it be eaten that night, for it says: AND THEY SHALL EAT THE FLESH IN THAT NIGHT, ROAST WITH FIRE (XII, 8); ‘this is for the sake of Abraham whom I saved from the fiery furnace. AND UNLEAVENED BREAD (ib.)-in honour of Sarah who prepared cakes for the angels, though they did not taste bread.[12] WITH BITTER HERBS (ib.)[13] in honour of Jacob; for just as his sons were persecuted in Egypt, so did Esau persecute him. AND YE SHALL LET NOTHING OF IT REMAIN UNTIL THE MORNING (XII, 10). ‘Just as I will not leave one soul alive of the firstborn in Egypt, So YE SHALL LET NOTHING OF IT REMAIN UNTIL THE MORNING.

 

As an aside: Why was HaShem visiting Abraham? If you look in the paragraph which precedes chapter 18, you will notice that Abraham has just circumcised himself and his household. The third day after his circumcision is the most painful day. Therefore, HaShem was visiting His friend, Abraham, who was sick. This is bikur cholim, visiting the sick!

 

At any rate, Lot was celebrating a Pesach feast and he served his angelic guests, matza. Now, the Sages also link this Pesach seder with the Purim seudah. They see that the same word used for the feast (Mishteh) that Lot had with the angels is also used in connection with the Purim seudah:

 

Bereshit (Genesis) 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

 

This feast this Mishteh that Lot served is also the feast, the Mishteh, that constituted the Purim seudah:

 

Esther 8:17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

 

Esther 9:17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

 

Esther 9:18 But the Jews that [were] at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth [day] thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth [day] of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

 

Esther 9:19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar [a day of] gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

 

Esther 9:22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

 

In Talmudic literature, the word Mishteh is ONLY used in connection with the Pesach seder and the Purim seudah. The Sages, therefore teach that this Pesach seder was also a Purim seudah! This was a combination feast!

 

Now lets see what two of those same angels did, on that same day, for Lot:

 

Bereshit (Genesis) 19:1-3 The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. "My lords," he said, "please turn aside to your servant's house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning." "No," they answered, "we will spend the night in the square." But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate.

 

The sages understood that Isaac was born on Passover. Take a look again at Bereshit (Genesis) 18:14, which is where we are told that Isaac will be born on the festival which Abraham was now celebrating. This began the 400 years spoken about in:

 

Bereshit (Genesis) 15:12-14 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. Then HaShem said to him, "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions.

 

The Talmud confirms this:

 

Rosh HaShana 10b It has been taught: R. Eliezer says: In Tishri the world was created; in Tishri the Patriarchs[14] were born; in Tishri the Patriarchs died; on Passover Isaac was born; on New Year Sarah, Rachel and Hannah were visited;[15] on New Year Joseph went forth from prison

 

Rosh HaShana 11a Whence do we know that Isaac was born on Passover? — Because it is written, On the [next] festival[16] I will return unto thee.[17] Now when was he [the angel] speaking?[18] Shall I say [he was speaking] on Passover and referring to Pentecost? Could she bear in fifty days?[19] Shall I say then that [he was speaking on] Pentecost and was referring to Tishri? Even in five months could she bear? I must suppose then that he was speaking on Tabernacles and referring to Passover.[20] Even so, could she bear in six months? — It has been taught that that year was a leap year. All the same, if the Master deducts the days of uncleanness,[21] the time is too short? — Mar Zutra replied: Even those who hold that when a woman bears at nine months she does not give birth before the month is complete[22] admit that if she bears at seven months she can give birth before the month is complete, as it says, And it came to pass after the cycle of days;[23] the minimum of cycles is two, and the minimum of days is two.

 

The Egyptian Passover:

 

Egypt, in Hebrew, Mitzrayim, literally means a

"Place of Narrowness."

 

The Torah's name for Egypt is Mitzrayim, and this name does not just refer to a geographical location. The root letters of this Hebrew name spell metzar, a word which means "confinement or distress".

 

To be in "Mitzrayim" is to be in a place of confinement or distress --physical and/or spiritual.

 

With this in mind, lets examine the Passover that took place in the days of Moses:

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:1-14 HaShem said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, "This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the people of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. Do not eat the meat raw or cooked in water, but roast it over the fire--head, legs and inner parts. Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is HaShem’s Passover. "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn--both men and animals--and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am HaShem. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. "This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to HaShem--a lasting ordinance.

 

"This month shall be the beginning of months" is the first commandment given to the entire nation of Israel. To obey this commandment requires that you understand when a month begins and when the year begins. The written Torah never answers these questions. The Talmud does address this issue. Unless Israel has the authority to declare the new moons, the Rosh Chodeshim, then they would not have the ability to carry out this command. Unless this command is carried out, there would be no festivals.

 

According to this next passage, Israel entered Egypt on Passover:

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:40-42 Now the length of time the Israelite people lived in Egypt was 430 years. At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all HaShem’s divisions left Egypt. Because HaShem kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor HaShem for the generations to come.

 

Notice who came out of Egypt:

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:31-38 During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, "Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship HaShem as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me." The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. "For otherwise," they said, "we will all die!" So the people took their dough before the yeast was added, and carried it on their shoulders in kneading troughs wrapped in clothing. The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. HaShem had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians. The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. Many other people went up with them, as well as large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.

 

So, not only Israelites, but Gentiles as well! This is significant because these were the same folks who stood at the foot of Mount Sinai and received the Torah (instruction or law). As an aside, of the 600,000 men who came out of Egypt, only two entered the promised land: one Israelite: Yahoshua (Joshua) the Benjamite, and one Gentile convert: Caleb the son of Jephuneh, the Kenizzite. Please recall that the Kennizzites are one the people who's land is promised to Abraham in the covenant between the parts.

 

Two of the first things that HaShem tells Moshe when sending him To take the Jews out of Egypt are that He is rescuing them so as to bring them to Israel[24] and that on their way out of Egypt, Moshe Should take them to Har Sinai[25]. Perhaps more than any other holiday, Passover, as presented in Tanakh, represents a major change in the Jewish people and their relationship to HaShem and the land of Israel. We read of Passover celebrations during the times of Yahoshua (Joshua), Samuel, Hezekiah, Josiah, and Zerubbabel. In each case, the celebration came along with "major changes".

 

* * *

 

Here is another story which is very much like the story of Moses and the Egyptian Passover:

 

Shoftim (Judges) 6:11-22 The angel of HaShem came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of HaShem appeared to Gideon, he said, "HaShem is with you, mighty warrior." "But sir," Gideon replied, "if HaShem is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not HaShem bring us up out of Egypt?' But now HaShem has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." HaShem turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." HaShem answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you." And HaShem said, "I will wait until you return." Gideon went in, prepared a young goat, and from an ephah of flour he made bread without yeast. Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he brought them out and offered them to him under the oak. The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth." And Gideon did so. With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of HaShem touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of HaShem disappeared. When Gideon realized that it was the angel of HaShem, he exclaimed, "Ah, Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of HaShem face to face!"

 

Here we see Gideon able to stand up to an angel and demand to know where his signs and wonders are. Throughout the Tanakh when a man encountered an angel, he would fall on his face like a dead man. How did Gideon generate the strength to talk to an angel like this? The Sages teach us that it was the first day of Passover and Gideon’s father had just inspired him at the seder table. Thus Gideon was imbued with the spiritual strength to stand up to the angel.

 

* * *

 

Bereshit (Genesis) 15:9-16 So HaShem said to him, "Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon." Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other; the birds, however, he did not cut in half. Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. Then HaShem said to him, "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure."

 

This word "generation" means:

 

1755 dowr, dore; or (short.) dor, dore; from 1752; prop. a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling:-age, X evermore, generation, [n-] ever, posterity.

 

So, we can see that HaShem is using this ambiguous word to not only indicate a generation, but, also to indicate the fourth millennium after Abram which would put us at the beginning of the seventh millennium - The millennium ruled by Yeshua!

 

* * *

 

The following is a summary of all Biblical events that occurred during Passover, that I have found so far:

 


 

 14th

 Fast-day of the first-born. Soferim 21

 Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah. Day 104. Bereshit (Genesis) 7:24

 Cain and Able offer their sacrifices. Bereshit (Genesis) 4:3-5, PdRE, section 21, Yonaton b. Uziel

 Mordecai and the Jews fast for the second day. Esther 4:16

 Preparation day. Yochanan (John) 19:14, 31

 Yocheved hides Moses after a 6 month and one day pregnancy - day 37. Artscroll Mesorah on Shavuot, page 61.

 Levites still consecrating the temple in Hezekiah's day, day 14. II Divrei Hayamim 29:17

 Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem. Targum, Ruth 1:22

 King Hezekiah fell critically ill. According to Seder Olam, King Hezekiah was taken ill three days before the defeat of King

 Sennacherib - day 3. 2 Kings 20:1, Seder Olam 23

 Yeshua has a Pesach seder. Yochanan (John) 13:1

 Paschal lambs are killed at twilight. Shemot (Exodus) 12:1-6

 Pilate releases Barabbas. Matityahu (Matthew) 27:15-21

 Yeshua was crucified. Yochanan (John) 19:42

 Curtain of the temple rent. Matityahu (Matthew) 27:51

 Holy dead are raised to life. Matityahu (Matthew) 27:52-53

 Darkness came over all the land from the sixth until the ninth hour. Matityahu (Matthew) 27:34-45

 

 15th

 Pesach / Hag ha-Matza. A Sabbath of Sabbaths (Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:6-7) (15 - 21) Shemot (Exodus) 12:17-20

 Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah. Day 105. Bereshit (Genesis) 7:24

 Abram leaves Haran Shemot (Exodus) 12:40-41, Bereshit (Genesis) 12:1-10

 God makes the "covenant between the parts" with Abram. Bereshit (Genesis) 15:18, Seder Olam 5

 Abraham learns of Lot’s captivity and defeats the 4 kings. “Legends of the Bible”, Ginzberg

 God afflicts Pharaoh, orders Abram and Sarai to leave Egypt, with gifts. Bereshit (Genesis) 12:15-20, Yalkut Shimoni

 God afflicts Abimelech in a dream, regarding Sarah. Bereshit (Genesis) 20, The Haggadah

 G-d made a covenant, between the parts, with Abraham. Bereshit (Genesis) 15:18, Seder Olam 5, Pirkei deRabbi Eliezer

 Abraham is visited by angels and told that Isaac will be born next year. Bereshit (Genesis) 18:10, Seder Olam 5

 Lot entertains two angels, then Sodom is destroyed while Lot and his daughters are delivered. Bereshit (Genesis) 19:1, 18:14

 Isaac was born after a 7 month pregnancy, in a leap year. Shemot (Exodus) 12:40-41, Bereshit (Genesis) 18, 19, Rosh

                Hashanah 10b

 Abraham binds Isaac (Akeida). Bereshit (Genesis) 22:1-18 (see the Zohar on Bereshit (Genesis) 28:11)

 Isaac was sacrificed, according to the Rabbis. Bereshit (Genesis) 22

 Isaac blesses Jacob. Bereshit (Genesis) 27:4; Yonatan b. Uziel; PdRE 2, Rashi on Bereshit (Genesis) 27:9

 God tells Laban to leave Jacob alone, in a dream. Bereshit (Genesis) 31:24, The Haggadah

 Jacob wrestles with an angel. Bereshit (Genesis) 32:24, The Haggadah

 God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah. Bereshit (Genesis) 19

 Death of Job. Jer. Sotah 5:8

 Jacob and sixty-nine descendants enter Egypt. Shemot (Exodus) 12:40-42 - 2238 AM

 Yocheved hides Moses after a 6 month and one day pregnancy - day 38. Artscroll Mesorah on Shavuot, page 61.

 Moses saw the burning bush. Shemot (Exodus) 3:2, Bahya, Bo

 Israelites in Egypt celebrate the first Pesach (2448 BCE). Shemot (Exodus) 12:6-11

 Egyptian officials beg Moses and the Israelites to leave. Shemot (Exodus) 11:8

 Egyptians bury their firstborn. Shemot (Exodus) 33:3-4

 Israelites leave Rameses and journey towards Succoth, day one. The Exodus begins! Shemot (Exodus) 12:48-51 - 2448 AM

 All males to appear before HaShem in Jerusalem. Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:16

 Israelites celebrate Pesach in the Sinai desert. Bamidbar (Numbers) 9:1-5

 Yahoshua (Joshua) and the Israelites celebrate Pesach at Gilgal. Yahoshua (Joshua) 5:10

 Yahoshua (Joshua) and the Israelites besiege Jericho and march around the city – day 1. Yahoshua (Joshua) 6:1ff

 Gideon destroys Midian with the omer’s barley cake. Shoftim (Judges) 7, Midrash Yalkut 62, The Haggadah

 HaShem swept away the army of the prince of Charoshes (Sisera) with the stars of night. Shoftim (Judges) 4 and 5, The

                Haggadah

 Levites still consecrating the temple in Hezekiah's day, day 15. II Divrei Hayamim 29:17

 God heals the people. II Divrei Hayamim 30:1-20

 Exiles celebrated with joy because Assyrian King to help with temple. Ezra 6:22

 Josiah celebrates Pesach in the midst of removing idolatry. Melakim bet (Melakim alef (I Kings)) 23:19-25

 The Assyrian army of Sennacherib, which threatened Jerusalem was destroyed. 2 Kings 19:35, Targum Rav Yosef

 Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about a statue of four metals. Daniel 2 and 3, The Haggadah

 The hand writing on the wall delivers a message of judgment to Belshazzar. Daniel 5, The Haggadah

 Daniel is thrown into the lion's den. Daniel 6, The Haggadah

 Israelites who returned from Babylonian exile, celebrated Pesach. Ezra 6:19-22

 Vashti is executed by King Xerxes. Esther 1:21; Derash le-Purim

 King Achashverosh has his sleep disturbed. Esther 6:1

 Mordecai is honored by Haman and king Achashverosh. Esther 5:1 - 6:10

 Mordecai and the Jews fast for the third and last day. Esther 4:16

 Esther invites the king to feast. Esther 5:1-4, Seder Olam 29

 To be celebrated during the millennium. Yehezekel (Ezekiel) 45:21-24

 Yochanan (John) the Baptist is born. Luqas (Luke) 1:24

 Joseph and Mary celebrate Pesach in Jerusalem with 12 year old Yeshua. Luqas (Luke) 2:39-41

 Yeshua performs miracles and is believed. Yochanan (John) 2:23

 Yeshua's first day in the grave. Matityahu (Matthew) 27:62

 Chief priests and Pharisees get Pilate to make the tomb of Yeshua secure. Matityahu (Matthew) 27:62-66

 Peter is arrested. II Luqas (Acts) 12:3

 The day of vengeance when the winepress is trodden. Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 63, The Haggadah

 The exile ends with unique day, without daytime or nighttime. Zechariah 16:6, Micah 7:15 and Tehilim (Psalm) 139:12, The

                Haggadah

 Double misfortune will You bring in an instant upon Utsis (Edom) on Passover. Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 47, The Haggadah

 Pesach will be celebrated in Yehezekel (Ezekiel)'s future. Yehezekel (Ezekiel) 45:21-22

 Torah section is Shemot (Exodus) 12:21-51; Bamidbar (Numbers) 28:19-25. Haftorah is Yahoshua (Joshua) 5:2 - 6:1.

 

 16th

 Hag ha-Matza - Second day. A partial Sabbath (Mishna: Seder Moed: Tractate Moed Katan). Shemot (Exodus) 12:17-20

 The Omer or the day after Pesach - bread of the FIRSTFRUITS (Pharisees) Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:15

 The Omer is offered. Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:14, Rambam, Temidin U'Musafin 7:2-17

 Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah. Day 106. Bereshit (Genesis) 7:24

 Birth of Levi. Midrash Tadshe, Midrash Yalkut 1

 Yocheved hides Moses after a 6 month and one day pregnancy - day 39. Artscroll Mesorah on Shavuot, page 61.

 Israelites leave Rameses and journey towards Succoth, for three days. Shemot (Exodus) 12:48-51

 The supply of manna was exhausted. Kiddushin 38a

 The Omer was offered for the first time by Jews in Israel. Yahoshua (Joshua) 5:11, Rosh Hashanah 13a

 Israelites eat produce of the promised land (2488 BCE). Yahoshua (Joshua) 5:11

 Bread from heaven (Manna) stopped. Yahoshua (Joshua) 5:12

 Yahoshua (Joshua) and the Israelites march around Jericho – day 2. Yahoshua (Joshua) 6:1ff

 An angel ordered Gideon to attack the Midianites. Shoftim (Judges) 6:19, Rashi

 King Saul’s seven sons were killed. Midrash Rabbah, Naso, ch.8

 David and his men eat consecrated bread. Luqas (Luke) 6:1-5 and 1 Samuel 21:1-6? [26]

 Hezekiah finishes consecrating the Temple, day 16. II Divrei Hayamim 29:17

 Esther, Haman, and the king feast. King kills Haman. Esther 5:5-5

 Haman was hanged. Esther 7:10, Seder Olam 29

 Mordecai becomes chief minister in place of Haman. Esther 8:2

 Cyrus, King of Persia, captured Babylon in 539 BCE.

 Yeshua's disciples pick grain on the day (partial Sabbath) after Pesach. Luqas (Luke) 6:1,

Matityahu (Matthew) 12:1 - 13:30 2

 Yeshua tells the parable of the wheat and the tares. Matityahu (Matthew) 13:24-30

 Yeshua heals the man with the withered hand. Matityahu (Matthew) 12:9-16

 Yeshua gives sight and hearing to a demon possessed man. Matityahu (Matthew) 12:22-23

 Yeshua tells the parable of the wheat and the tares. Matityahu (Matthew) 13:24-30

 Two Miryams prepared spices and perfumes to embalm Yeshua. Luqas (Luke) 23:56

 Yeshua's second day in the tomb. Yochanan (John) 19:30-36

 Torah section is Vayikra (Leviticus) 22:26 - 23:44; Bamidbar (Numbers) 28:19-25. Haftorah is 2 Kings 23:1-9; 21-25.

 

 17th

 Hag ha-Matza - Third day. Shemot (Exodus) 12:17-20

 The Omer, day 2.

 Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah. Day 107. Bereshit (Genesis) 7:24

 Yocheved hides Moses after a 6 month and one day pregnancy - day 40. Artscroll Mesorah on Shavuot, page 61.

 Israelites leave Rameses and journey towards Succoth, day two. Shemot (Exodus) 12:48-51

 Moses collects Joseph's bones. Shemot (Exodus) 13:19

 Yahoshua (Joshua) and the Israelites march around Jericho – day 3. Yahoshua (Joshua) 6:1ff

 Haman’s plans came to naught. Esther 3:12, 4:16, 5:1, 7:2-9

 Resurrection Sabbath. Yeshua rose from the dead, at the end of the third day. It is a Sabbath. Matityahu (Matthew) 12:48

 Yeshua heals the man with a withered hand on the Sabbath after Pesach. Luqas (Luke) 6:6-11

 Peter is arrested and imprisoned by Herod. II Luqas (Acts) 12:3

 Torah section is Shemot (Exodus) 13:1-16; Bamidbar (Numbers) 28:19-25. There is no Haftorah.

 

 18th

 Hag ha-Matza - Fourth day. Shemot (Exodus) 12:17-20

 The Omer, day 3.

 Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah. Day 108. Bereshit (Genesis) 7:24

 Yocheved hides Moses after a 6 month and one day pregnancy - day 41. Artscroll Mesorah on Shavuot, page 61.

 Pharaoh was informed that the Hebrew slaves had escaped. Shemot (Exodus) 14:5, Rashi

 Israelites journey from Succoth to Etham, day one. Shemot (Exodus) 13:20

 Yahoshua (Joshua) and the Israelites march around Jericho – day 4. Yahoshua (Joshua) 6:1ff

 Yeshua, at 12 years old, stays in Jerusalem, teaching, when His parents find Him. Luqas (Luke) 2:41-51

 God removes Yeshua's grave covering stone. Marqos (Mark) 16:2-4

 Two Miryams come to Yeshua's tomb to embalm Him. Yochanan (John) 20:1-9

 Yeshua tells the women not to touch Him. Yochanan (John) 20:17

 Yeshua’s alive! It is resurrection day 1.

 Yeshua opens the scriptures on the road to Emmaus. Luqas (Luke) 24:13

 Yeshua shows Himself to ten apostles in the upper room, the evening of the first day of the week. Yochanan (John) 20:19

 Torah section is Shemot (Exodus) 22:24 - 23:19; Bamidbar (Numbers) 28:19-25. There is no Haftorah.

 

 19th

 Hag ha-Matza - Fifth day. Shemot (Exodus) 12:17-20

 The Omer, day 4.

 Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah. Day 109. Bereshit (Genesis) 7:24

 Yocheved hides Moses after a 6 month and one day pregnancy - day 42. Artscroll Mesorah on Shavuot, page 61.

 Pharaoh set out in pursuit of the Israelites. Shemot (Exodus) 14:5, Rashi

 Israelites journey from Succoth to Etham, day two. Shemot (Exodus) 13:20

 Yahoshua (Joshua) and the Israelites march around Jericho – day 5. Yahoshua (Joshua) 6:1ff

 Yeshua appears to the ten apostles. Yochanan (John) 20:19, Luqas (Luke) 24:21-36

 Yeshua’s alive! It is resurrection day 2.

 Torah section is Shemot (Exodus) 33:12 - 34:26; Bamidbar (Numbers) 28:19-25. There is no Haftorah.

 

 20th

 Hag ha-Matza - Sixth day. Shemot (Exodus) 12:17-20

 The Omer, day 5.

 Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah. Day 110. Bereshit (Genesis) 7:24

 Yocheved hides Moses after a 6 month and one day pregnancy - day 43. Artscroll Mesorah on Shavuot, page 61.

 Israelites journey from Succoth to Etham, day three. Shemot (Exodus) 13:20

 Pharaoh and his army caught up with the Israelites. Shemot (Exodus) 14:5, Rashi

 Yahoshua (Joshua) and the Israelites march around Jericho – day 6. Yahoshua (Joshua) 6:1ff

 Yeshua’s alive! It is resurrection day 3.

 Yeshua needs the sprinkling for touching the dead. Bamidbar (Numbers) 19:11-13

 Torah section is Bamidbar (Numbers) 9:1-14; 28:19-25. There is no Haftorah.

 

 21rst

 Hag ha-Matza - Seventh day. Shemot (Exodus) 12:17-20

 The Omer, day 6.

 Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah. Day 111. Bereshit (Genesis) 7:24

 HaShem wipes out the world with water in Noah's day. Noah and his family preserved. Bereshit (Genesis) 6:6-7 - TC, AC

 Jacob left Laban’s home to return to Israel. Bereshit (Genesis) 31:17, Book of Jubilees.

 Yocheved hides Moses after a 6 month and one day pregnancy - day 44. Artscroll Mesorah on Shavuot, page 61.

 Pharaoh’s decree against Israelite male infants was canceled. Sotah 12b

 Israelites camp at the tower, towards the mouth of the gorges, opposite the hidden destroyer. Shemot (Exodus) 33:7

 Israelites are baptized in the Red sea. Shemot (Exodus) 14:26-29

 God removes wheels from Egyptian chariots. Shemot (Exodus) 14:24-25

 God destroys Pharaoh's army, chariots, and horses with water. Shemot (Exodus) 14:21-28, TC, AC

 Moses and Miriam sing the song of Moses to HaShem. Shemot (Exodus) 15

 God refines Israel with fire, destroying the outskirts. Bamidbar (Numbers) 11:1-3, TC

 Israelites crave meat from God. Bamidbar (Numbers) 11:4, TC [27]

 God forms the Sanhedrin from the spirit of Moses. Bamidbar (Numbers) 11:16-25, TC

 Yahoshua (Joshua) and the Israelites march around Jericho – day 7. Jericho’s walls recede. Jericho is destroyed.

Yahoshua (Joshua) 6:1ff

 God destroys Sicera's army, chariots, and horses with water. Shoftim (Judges) 4:4 - 5:31, TC

 Deborah holds court to decide disputes of the Israelites. Shoftim (Judges) 4:4-5, TC

 Deborah sings a song to HaShem. Shoftim (Judges) 5, TC

 David sings a song to HaShem. 2 Samuel 22, AC [28]

 Yeshua’s alive! It is resurrection day 4.

 Peter is freed by an angel. Act 12:3-10

 Disciples were gathered together for prayer. II Luqas (Acts) 12:3-12

 Peter is released from prison by an angel. Peter went to Mary's house (the mother of Yochanan (John) Marqos (Mark))

II Luqas (Acts) 12:3-12

 Herod searches for Peter, cross examines guards, executes guards, and travels from Judea to Caesarea.

II Luqas (Acts) 12:18-19

 This is the day God will destroy the wicked and baptize the righteous with fire. Matityahu (Matthew) 3:11, 2 Peter 3:3-16,

                TC

 Solemn Assembly required on this last day of the Hag ha-Matza. Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:8

 Torah section is Shemot (Exodus) 13:17 - 15:26; Bamidbar (Numbers) 28:19-25. Haftorah is 2 Samuel 22:1-51.

 

 22nd

 The Omer, day 7, week 1.

 Water swells on the earth in the days of Noah. Day 112. Bereshit (Genesis) 7:24

 Isaac is circumcised. Bereshit (Genesis) 21:4, Shemot (Exodus) 12:40-41, Bereshit (Genesis) 18, 19, Rosh Hashanah 10b

 Yocheved hides Moses after a 6 month and one day pregnancy - day 45. Artscroll Mesorah on Shavuot, page 61.

 Israelites start crossing the desert of Etham, without any water. Day 1 Shemot (Exodus) 15:22, Bamidbar (Numbers) 33:8

 Yahoshua (Joshua) begins his march around Jericho, day 1. Seder Olam 11

 Zechariah and Elizabeth circumcise, and name, Yochanan (John) the Baptist. Luqas (Luke) 1:57-63

 Yeshua, at 12 years old, stays in Jerusalem, teaching while look for Him. Luqas (Luke) 2:41-51

 Yeshua’s alive! It is resurrection day 5.

 Paul leaves Phillipi after spending 3 months there. Day 1 II Luqas (Acts) 20:6

 

 

 


Yahoshua (Joshua) observed Passover just before eating the produce of the land:

 

Yahoshua (Joshua) 5:10-12 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan.

 

The bread from heaven stopped the day after Passover...hmmm...

 

In the time of Yahoshua (Joshua), Passover was the time when the generation born in the desert finally got circumcised[29] bringing them into the covenant with HaShem. Passover also coincided with the end, of the manna[30]. Many people think that the point of the manna stopping was for the Jews to learn how to eat "the hard way" by planting and growing their own food. However, we are told explicitly[31] that the food of Israel which the Jews ate following the end of the manna was spoon fed to them by HaShem. What made it different than the manna was not that it was the result of hard labor by the Jews. Rather, it represented the Jews' attachment to the land of Israel. We see that at the time of Passover, in the days of Yahoshua (Joshua), the Jews became full fledged members of The People of Israel by being circumcised, and they also went from being nomads in the desert to settling Israel, which was expressed by their need to eat Israel's food.

 

Josiah celebrated Passover prior to his revival

 

Melakim bet (II Kings)) 23:21-23 The king gave this order to all the people: "Celebrate the Passover to HaShem your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant." Not since the days of the judges who led Israel, nor throughout the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah, had any such Passover been observed. But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was celebrated to HaShem in Jerusalem.

 

Hezekiah celebrated Passover

 

Divrei Hayamim 30:1-20 Hezekiah sent word to all Israel and Judah and also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, inviting them to come to the temple of HaShem in Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover to HaShem, the God of Israel. The king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem decided to celebrate the Passover in the second month. They had not been able to celebrate it at the regular time because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not assembled in Jerusalem. The plan seemed right both to the king and to the whole assembly. They decided to send a proclamation throughout Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, calling the people to come to Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover to HaShem, the God of Israel. It had not been celebrated in large numbers according to what was written. At the king's command, couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and from his officials, which read: "People of Israel, return to HaShem, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that he may return to you who are left, who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria. Do not be like your fathers and brothers, who were unfaithful to HaShem, the God of their fathers, so that he made them an object of horror, as you see. Do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were; submit to HaShem. Come to the sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve HaShem your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you. If you return to HaShem, then your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for HaShem your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him." The couriers went from town to town in Ephraim and Manasseh, as far as Zebulon, but the people scorned and ridiculed them. Nevertheless, some men of Asher, Manasseh and Zebulon humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem. Also in Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and his officials had ordered following the word of HaShem. A very large crowd of people assembled in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month. They removed the altars in Jerusalem and cleared away the incense altars and threw them into the Kidron Valley. They slaughtered the Passover lamb on the fourteenth day of the second month. The priests and the Levites were ashamed and consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings to the temple of HaShem. Then they took up their regular positions as prescribed in the Law of Moses the man of God. The priests sprinkled the blood handed to them by the Levites. Since many in the crowd had not consecrated themselves, the Levites had to kill the Passover lambs for all those who were not ceremonially clean and could not consecrate [their lambs] to HaShem. Although most of the many people who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulon had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, "May HaShem, who is good, pardon everyone Who sets his heart on seeking God--HaShem, the God of his fathers--even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary." And HaShem heard Hezekiah and healed the people.

 

The first major prophecies given for Judah's destruction and exile came during the time of Hezekiah. The Jews, who had taken Israel, and the Temple, for granted for so many years, were suddenly faced with the concept of exile and destruction. They knew that they had the potential to be thrown out of their land, if they didn't repent. Although there had been some prophecies of exile even earlier in the prophetic era[32] and even in the time of Moshe[33], the prophecies in the time of Hezekiah seemed to stand out in the people's minds as the first major prophecies of the imminent destruction, as they are the first direct threats of exile mentioned in the first half of the Books of the Prophets[34]. Hezekiah decided to start a massive Teshuva, repentance, movement and keep Israel. Again, it was the observance of Passover that symbolized the people of Judah regaining their hold on their land[35]. This Passover obviously was not quite as major event (perhaps because the teshuva movement was undone only one generation later), and in fact it is omitted from the Book of Kings. Nonetheless, it symbolized the Jews averting exile at the last second. In fact, it was during this time that the Kingdom of Israel (as opposed to the Kingdom of Judah which Hezekiah ruled over and which makes up the modern day Jews) was exiled[36]. This event surely helped show the people of Judah the need to strengthen their hold on their land. In fact, when the people debated how to respond to Yeremyahu (Jeremiah)'s prophecies of destruction several generations later, those in favor of teshuva used the response of the Jews to the predictions of doom in the days of Hezekiah as a model for how to return to HaShem and stay connected to the land[37]. Apparently the time of Hezekiah, which included a major Passover observance, brought out the connection between the Jews, HaShem, and the land of Israel in a major way.

 

Divrei Hayamim 35:1-19 Josiah celebrated the Passover to HaShem in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month. He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of HaShem’s temple. He said to the Levites, who instructed all Israel and who had been consecrated to HaShem: "Put the sacred ark in the temple that Solomon son of David king of Israel built. It is not to be carried about on your shoulders. Now serve HaShem your God and his people Israel. Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the directions written by David king of Israel and by his son Solomon. "Stand in the holy place with a group of Levites for each subdivision of the families of your fellow countrymen, the lay people. Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves and prepare [the lambs] for your fellow countrymen, doing what HaShem commanded through Moses." Josiah provided for all the lay people who were there a total of thirty thousand sheep and goats for the Passover offerings, and also three thousand cattle--all from the king's own possessions. His officials also contributed voluntarily to the people and the priests and Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah and Jehiel, the administrators of God's temple, gave the priests twenty-six hundred Passover offerings and three hundred cattle. Also Conaniah along with Shemaiah and Nethanel, his brothers, and Hashabiah, Jeiel and Jozabad, the leaders of the Levites, provided five thousand Passover offerings and five hundred head of cattle for the Levites. The service was arranged and the priests stood in their places with the Levites in their divisions as the king had ordered. The Passover lambs were slaughtered, and the priests sprinkled the blood handed to them, while the Levites skinned the animals. They set aside the burnt offerings to give them to the subdivisions of the families of the people to offer to HaShem, as is written in the Book of Moses. They did the same with the cattle. They roasted the Passover animals over the fire as prescribed, and boiled the holy offerings in pots, caldrons and pans and served them quickly to all the people. After this, they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, because the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were sacrificing the burnt offerings and the fat portions until nightfall. So the Levites made preparations for themselves and for the Aaronic priests. The musicians, the descendants of Asaph, were in the places prescribed by David, Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun the king's seer. The gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made the preparations for them. So at that time the entire service of HaShem was carried out for the celebration of the Passover and the offering of burnt offerings on the altar of HaShem, as King Josiah had ordered. The Israelites who were present celebrated the Passover at that time and observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel; and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah, with the priests, the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem. This Passover was celebrated in the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign.

 

Although the Book of Samuel makes no direct mention of Passover’s observance, we are told[38] that the Pesach celebration of Josiah was the greatest one since the time of Samuel. The implication is that during Samuel's time Passover was observed. In Shmuel alef (I Samuel) 7, we are told of how Samuel got all the Jews to repent, after which they were able to re-conquer parts of Israel which had been lost to the Philistines in battle. Samuel, in addition to leading this teshuva (repentance) movement, had a major impact on connecting the Jews to the land of Israel. The Rambam[39] writes that appointing a King, destroying Amalek, and building the Beit HaMikdash (The Temple) are the three mitzvot required of the Jewish people when they settle Israel. It was in Samuel's time that the Jews first even attempted these mitzvot. Despite his initial hesitation, Samuel anoints the first King of Israel[40], a task which the Midrash[41] claims he was destined to do since creation. Samuel then commands this king[42] to destroy Amalek. It was also Samuel who served as the Navi (Prince) required[43] to select the location of the Temple[44].

 

In the days of Josiah, it became clear that exile was imminent. Josiah The King started a last gasp teshuva movement, but he was hardly trying to avoid exile. After all, the prophetess Hilda had already informed him that no matter how righteous he was, the biggest reward that HaShem was offering was to bring the exile after Josiah's death[45]. No exile at all wasn't an option. So, Josiah wasn't trying to avoid exile. Rather, he was trying to do what he knew was right, even though things seemed hopeless. Regardless of the approaching exile, he saw it necessary to make a new covenant with HaShem[46]. Much as the people settled the land with the observance of, they observed Pesach again when they knew things were hopeless. The comparison[47] between the Passovers of Josiah and Samuel as the biggest Passovers brings out the parallel between the gradual establishment of Children of Israel in Israel and the gradual arrival of the exile. The lesson to learned from Josiah and his Passover is that even when returning to HaShem may seem futile, one must do so, and even when exile is a guaranteed thing, one must try and do whatever one can within reason[48] to stay attached to Israel.

 

The returning Babylonian exiles celebrated Passover:

 

Ezra 6:19-21 On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles celebrated the Passover. The priests and Levites had purified themselves and were all ceremonially clean. The Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their brothers the priests and for themselves. So the Israelites who had returned from the exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of their Gentile neighbors in order to seek HaShem, the God of Israel.

 

The Passover of Zerubbabel once again kept with the theme of returning to HaShem and settling Israel. It was a major part of the return to Israel during the time when the Temple was rebuilt and is the first major event recorded after the dedication of second Temple[49]. To further make evident the Passover's connection to the return to HaShem and Israel, the next event recorded[50] is Ezra's return to Israel, which involved a return to the Torah, as Ezra was primarily a religious leader. Even though Ezra's return took place much later[51], it is thematically connected to the Passover of Zerubbabel.

 

 

Joseph and Mary celebrated the Passover

 

Luqas (Luke) 2:41-52 Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Yeshua stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Yeshua grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

 

Yochanan (John) the Baptist was born during Passover. We can calculate his birthday from:

 

Luqas (Luke) 1:5-24 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abuja; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all HaShem's commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, He was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of HaShem and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. Then an angel of HaShem appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name Yochanan (John). He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, For he will be great in the sight of HaShem. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to HaShem their God. And he will go on before HaShem, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for HaShem." Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.

 

I think that the following parable is prophetic and speaks of Yeshua's resurrection, the Lamb of God, on the Sabbath when His Father drew Him out of the "pit":

 

Matityahu (Matthew) 12:9-13 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, And a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Yeshua, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.

 

and:

 

Luqas (Luke) 14:3-6 Yeshua asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him away. Then he asked them, "If one of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out?" And they had nothing to say.

 

Elijah is expected to return at Passover time as we can deduce from the above verses and from:

 

Matityahu (Matthew) 11:7 As Yochanan (John)'s disciples were leaving, Yeshua began to speak to the crowd about Yochanan (John): "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than Yochanan (John) the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of Yochanan (John) the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until Yochanan (John). And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

 

The Maharal points out how the Korban Pesach, with all its of laws, is an indication of unity between Israel, Mashiach, and HaShem.

 

1) It was a mitzva to roast and eat the Korban Pesach "with its head on its knees". That is to say complete, and not cut into smaller pieces (unlike every other type of sacrifice). Something which indicates unity must be whole. (Shemot 12:9)

 

2) The Korban Pesach was eaten in one house, and only by the family group that was registered for that particular animal. Something which indicates unity must be concentrated in one place. (Shemot 12:46)

 

3) The Korban Pesach was taken from a 1 year old sheep or goat. The number one indicates unity. (Shemot 12:5)

 

4) The Korban Pesach was taken from the goats or sheep, but not from the cattle. A goat or sheep is a more delicate and tender animal. If it received a wound on one of its limbs, the animal itself would suffer the pain of the injury. An ox or cow, due to its bulk, would not be so affected by a similar wound. It would only feel pain in that particular limb.

 

Israel is likened to a sheep. When one Jew transgresses (as in the case of Achan, see Joshua 7), the whole nation suffers. Israel, like the sheep have a presence which is less physical. An entity which more spiritual is naturally more sensitive. (Shemot 12:5)

 

5) The Korban Pesach was roasted over the fire. Cooking in water causes meat to become soggy and the pieces separate. Roasting over the fire draws out the juices and the meat becomes consolidated, another indication of unity. (Shemot 12:8-9)

 

6) It was prohibited to break any of the bones of the Korban Pesach. Again, any thing whole and not broken is an indication of unity. (Shemot 12:46)

 

By eating the Pesach according to all of it's laws, a Jew demonstrated his unity with HaShem. This is the unity which He invested in Israel and thereby commanded them concerning the Korban Pesach.

 

Future Passover

 

Yehezekel (Ezekiel) gave new instructions for the millennium Passover:

 

Yehezekel (Ezekiel) 45:21 "'In the first month on the fourteenth day you are to observe the Passover, a feast lasting seven days, during which you shall eat bread made without yeast. On that day the prince is to provide a bull as a sin offering for himself and for all the people of the land. Every day during the seven days of the Feast he is to provide seven bulls and seven rams without defect as a burnt offering to HaShem, and a male goat for a sin offering. He is to provide as a grain offering an ephah for each bull and an ephah for each ram, along with a hin of oil for each ephah. "'During the seven days of the Feast, which begins in the seventh month on the fifteenth day, he is to make the same provision for sin offerings, burnt offerings, grain offerings and oil.

 

 

Notice the different sacrifice requirements

 

Bamidbar (Numbers) 28:16-22 "'On the fourteenth day of the first month HaShem’s Passover is to be held. On the fifteenth day of this month there is to be a festival; for seven days eat bread made without yeast. On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. Present to HaShem an offering made by fire, a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect. With each bull prepare a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; with the ram, two-tenths; And with each of the seven lambs, one-tenth. Include one male goat as a sin offering to make atonement for you.

 

Yeshua and Passover

 

Matityahu (Matthew) 26:17-30 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Yeshua and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'" So the disciples did as Yeshua had directed them and prepared the Passover. When evening came, Yeshua was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me." They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?" Yeshua replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born." Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?" Yeshua answered, "Yes, it is you." While they were eating, Yeshua took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

 

Marqos (Mark) 14:12-26 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Yeshua' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there." The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Yeshua had told them. So they prepared the Passover. When evening came, Yeshua arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me--one who is eating with me." They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?" "It is one of the Twelve," he replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born." While they were eating, Yeshua took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God." When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

 

Luqas (Luke) 22:7-38 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Yeshua sent Peter and Yochanan (John), saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover." "Where do you want us to prepare for it?" they asked. He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, And say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there." They left and found things just as Yeshua had told them. So they prepared the Passover. When the hour came, Yeshua and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him." They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this. Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Yeshua said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, So that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." Yeshua answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." Then Yeshua asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?" "Nothing," they answered. He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment." The disciples said, "See, Lord, here are two swords." "That is enough," he replied.

 

Yochanan (John) 13:1-31 It was just before the Passover Feast. Yeshua knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Yeshua. Yeshua knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Yeshua replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Yeshua answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Yeshua answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. "I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.' "I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me." After he had said this, Yeshua was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me." His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Yeshua loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means." Leaning back against Yeshua, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?" Yeshua answered, "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Yeshua told him, But no one at the meal understood why Yeshua said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Yeshua was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. When he was gone, Yeshua said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him.

 

Yochanan (John) then records a long discourse by Yeshua

 

Points to remember

 

Matityahu (Matthew) 12:40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

 

Matityahu (Matthew) 26:17-30 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Yeshua and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'" So the disciples did as Yeshua had directed them and prepared the Passover. When evening came, Yeshua was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me." They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?" Yeshua replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born." Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?" Yeshua answered, "Yes, it is you." While they were eating, Yeshua took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

 

On preparation day Yeshua is crucified and placed in the tomb

 

Marqos (Mark) 15:42-46 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Yeshua' body. Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Yeshua had already died. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.

 

Yochanan (John) 19:14 It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour. "Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!" "Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked. "We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered. Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Yeshua.

 

Preparation day was the day BEFORE the high Sabbath of Passover:

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:15-19 For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast. On the first day remove the yeast from your houses, for whoever eats anything with yeast in it from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel. On the first day hold a sacred assembly, and another one on the seventh day. Do no work at all on these days, except to prepare food for everyone to eat--that is all you may do. "Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. In the first month you are to eat bread made without yeast, from the evening of the fourteenth day until the evening of the twenty-first day. For seven days no yeast is to be found in your houses. And whoever eats anything with yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel, whether he is an alien or native-born.

 

Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:2-8 Sacrifice as the Passover to HaShem your God an animal from your flock or herd at the place HaShem will choose as a dwelling for his Name. Do not eat it with bread made with yeast, but for seven days eat unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left Egypt in haste--so that all the days of your life you may remember the time of your departure from Egypt. Let no yeast be found in your possession in all your land for seven days. Do not let any of the meat you sacrifice on the evening of the first day remain until morning. You must not sacrifice the Passover in any town HaShem your God gives you Except in the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name. There you must sacrifice the Passover in the evening, when the sun goes down, on the anniversary of your departure from Egypt. Roast it and eat it at the place HaShem your God will choose. Then in the morning return to your tents. For six days eat unleavened bread and on the seventh day hold an assembly to HaShem your God and do no work.

 

The day AFTER Preparation day was a SPECIAL Sabbath

 

Yochanan (John) 19:31 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down.

 

The day AFTER Preparation day, Yeshua's tomb was sealed

 

Matityahu (Matthew) 27:62-66 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

 

Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:6-8 On the fifteenth day of that month HaShem’s Feast of Unleavened Bread begins; for seven days you must eat bread made without yeast. On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. For seven days present an offering made to HaShem by fire. And on the seventh day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work.'"

 

The plagues were God's judgment upon the gods of Egypt:

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:12 "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn--both men and animals--and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am HaShem.

 

Difficulties

 

Yeshua arose on the first day of the week?

 

Marqos (Mark) 16:9 When Yeshua rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.

 

This verse should probably be read as:

 

Marqos (Mark) 16:9 Now after Yeshua had risen, early on the first day of the week He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons.

 

How can Yeshua be the Passover lamb if He eats the Passover seder on Passover? Consider that Yeshua started twenty-four hours early and finished taking the fourth cup on the cross! Right on time!

 

Matityahu (Matthew) 26:17 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Yeshua and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"

 

Marqos (Mark) 14:12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Yeshua' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"

 

Luqas (Luke) 22:7-8 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Yeshua sent Peter and Yochanan (John), saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover."

 

Marqos (Mark) 14:12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Yeshua' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there." The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Yeshua had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

 

Luqas (Luke) 22:13 They left and found things just as Yeshua had told them. So they prepared the Passover. When the hour came, Yeshua and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you.

 

Yeshua ate the Passover about 23 hours early without the lamb and with only three of the four cups. He finished the fourth cup on the cross:

 

Yochanan (John) 19:29-30 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Yeshua' lips. When he had received the drink, Yeshua said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

 

Mary and Mary Magdalene went to the tomb on the first day of the week.

 

Luqas (Luke) 24:1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.

 

Why did Yeshua tell Mary not to touch Him?

 

Yochanan (John) 20:16-17 Yeshua said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). Yeshua said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"

 

Bamidbar (Numbers) 19:11-22 "Whoever touches the dead body of anyone will be unclean for seven days. He must purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third and seventh days, he will not be clean. Whoever touches the dead body of anyone and fails to purify himself defiles HaShem’s tabernacle. That person must be cut off from Israel. Because the water of cleansing has not been sprinkled on him, he is unclean; his uncleanness remains on him. "This is the law that applies when a person dies in a tent: Anyone who enters the tent and anyone who is in it will be unclean for seven days, And every open container without a lid fastened on it will be unclean. "Anyone out in the open who touches someone who has been killed with a sword or someone who has died a natural death, or anyone who touches a human bone or a grave, will be unclean for seven days. "For the unclean person, put some ashes from the burned purification offering into a jar and pour fresh water over them. Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water and sprinkle the tent and all the furnishings and the people who were there. He must also sprinkle anyone who has touched a human bone or a grave or someone who has been killed or someone who has died a natural death. The man who is clean is to sprinkle the unclean person on the third and seventh days, and on the seventh day he is to purify him. The person being cleansed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and that evening he will be clean. But if a person who is unclean does not purify himself, he must be cut off from the community, because he has defiled the sanctuary of HaShem. The water of cleansing has not been sprinkled on him, and he is unclean. This is a lasting ordinance for them. "The man who sprinkles the water of cleansing must also wash his clothes, and anyone who touches the water of cleansing will be unclean till evening. Anything that an unclean person touches becomes unclean, and anyone who touches it becomes unclean till evening."

 

Could it also be that Yeshua was still experiencing separation from His Father?

 

Matityahu (Matthew) 27:46 About the ninth hour Yeshua cried out in a loud voice, <"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?">--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

 

Marqos (Mark) 15:34 And at the ninth hour Yeshua cried out in a loud voice, <"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?>"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

 

VI. HaShem's Passover and the Firstborn

 

Passover and the firstborn are very closely linked.

 

Shemot (Exodus) 4:21-23 HaShem said to Moses, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. Then say to Pharaoh, 'This is what HaShem says: Israel is my firstborn son, And I told you, "Let my son go, so he may worship me." But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son.'"

 

Israel is HaShem's firstborn son. This is significant.

 

Bereans (Hebrews) 12:22-24 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, To the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, To Yeshua the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

 

God always deals with transgressions "in kind". Therefore, the firstborn of the wicked will be killed because They are killing God's firstborn.

 

Shemot (Exodus) 11:4-8 So Moses said, "This is what HaShem says: 'About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the firstborn son of the slave girl, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well. There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt--worse than there has ever been or ever will be again. But among the Israelites not a dog will bark at any man or animal.' Then you will know that HaShem makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel. All these officials of yours will come to me, bowing down before me and saying, 'Go, you and all the people who follow you!' After that I will leave." Then Moses, hot with anger, left Pharaoh.

 

Notice (above) that HaShem is going to kill EVERY FIRSTBORN MALE for keeping HaShem's firstborn males. This is important to note because of what HaShem will require of the Israelites after this.

 

Shemot (Exodus) 13:1-16 HaShem said to Moses, "Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether man or animal." Then Moses said to the people, "Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because HaShem brought you out of it with a mighty hand. Eat nothing containing yeast. Today, in the month of Abib, you are leaving. When HaShem brings you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites and Jebusites--the land he swore to your forefathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey--you are to observe this ceremony in this month: For seven days eat bread made without yeast and on the seventh day hold a festival to HaShem. Eat unleavened bread during those seven days; nothing with yeast in it is to be seen among you, nor shall any yeast be seen anywhere within your borders. On that day tell your son, 'I do this because of what HaShem did for me when I came out of Egypt.' This observance will be for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the law of HaShem is to be on your lips. For HaShem brought you out of Egypt with his mighty hand. You must keep this ordinance at the appointed time year after year. "After HaShem brings you into the land of the Canaanites and gives it to you, as he promised on oath to you and your forefathers, You are to give over to HaShem the first offspring of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to HaShem. Redeem with a lamb every firstborn donkey, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. Redeem every firstborn among your sons. "In days to come, when your son asks you, 'What does this mean?' say to him, 'With a mighty hand HaShem brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, HaShem killed every firstborn in Egypt, both man and animal. This is why I sacrifice to HaShem the first male offspring of every womb and redeem each of my firstborn sons.' And it will be like a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead that HaShem brought us out of Egypt with his mighty hand."

 

The above question, 'What does this mean', is ascribed to the 'simple son' in our Haggadah. So one of the Passover questions deals with the redemption of the firstborn. HaShem said that ALL firstborn belong to Him.

 

Notice how often HaShem links the firstborn with Passover:

 

Shemot (Exodus) 22:29 "Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats. "You must give me the firstborn of your sons.

 

Shemot (Exodus) 34:18-21 "Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Abib, for in that month you came out of Egypt. "The first offspring of every womb belongs to me, including all the firstborn males of your livestock, whether from herd or flock. Redeem the firstborn donkey with a lamb, but if you do not redeem it, break its neck. Redeem all your firstborn sons. "No one is to appear before me empty-handed. "Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.

 

Bamidbar (Numbers) 3:11-13 HaShem also said to Moses, "I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine, For all the firstborn are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether man or animal. They are to be mine. I am HaShem."

 

Bamidbar (Numbers) 3:40-51 HaShem said to Moses, "Count all the firstborn Israelite males who are a month old or more and make a list of their names. Take the Levites for me in place of all the firstborn of the Israelites, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites. I am HaShem." So Moses counted all the firstborn of the Israelites, as HaShem commanded him. The total number of firstborn males a month old or more, listed by name, was 22,273. HaShem also said to Moses, "Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites are to be mine. I am HaShem. To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who exceed the number of the Levites, Collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. Give the money for the redemption of the additional Israelites to Aaron and his sons." So Moses collected the redemption money from those who exceeded the number redeemed by the Levites. From the firstborn of the Israelites he collected silver weighing 1,365 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons, as he was commanded by the word of HaShem.

 

Bamidbar (Numbers) 8:15-19 "After you have purified the Levites and presented them as a wave offering, they are to come to do their work at the Tent of Meeting. They are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to me. I have taken them as my own in place of the firstborn, the first male offspring from every Israelite woman. Every firstborn male in Israel, whether man or animal, is mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set them apart for myself. And I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn sons in Israel. Of all the Israelites, I have given the Levites as gifts to Aaron and his sons to do the work at the Tent of Meeting on behalf of the Israelites and to make atonement for them so that no plague will strike the Israelites when they go near the sanctuary."

 

Bamidbar (Numbers) 18:14-19 "Everything in Israel that is devoted to HaShem is yours. The first offspring of every womb, both man and animal, that is offered to HaShem is yours. But you must redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. When they are a month old, you must redeem them at the redemption price set at five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. "But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep or a goat; they are holy. Sprinkle their blood on the altar and burn their fat as an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to HaShem. Their meat is to be yours, just as the breast of the wave offering and the right thigh are yours. Whatever is set aside from the holy offerings the Israelites present to HaShem I give to you and your sons and daughters as your regular share. It is an everlasting covenant of salt before HaShem for both you and your offspring."

 

Bamidbar (Numbers) 33:3-4 The Israelites set out from Rameses on the fifteenth day of the first month, the day after the Passover. They marched out boldly in full view of all the Egyptians, Who were burying all their firstborn, whom HaShem had struck down among them; for HaShem had brought judgment on their gods.

 

Ok, now here are some places to start looking for future Passover events. This first one because of the reference to firstborn:

 

Revelation 1:4-6 Yochanan (John), To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, And has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father--to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

 

I'd look closely at this one because the Song of Moses was sung on the seventh day of Passover:

 

Revelation 15:1-4 I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues--last, because with them God's wrath is completed. And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. They held harps given them by God And sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, HaShem, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."

 

When it says that they “sang” the song of Moses. the Hebrew is in the future tense, literally they “will sing” the song of Moses.

 

Seven days after Passover the Israelites and Moses sang the song of Moses.

 

Shemot (Exodus) 15:1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to HaShem: "I will sing to HaShem, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea.

 

Sang is not past tense. It literally means "will sing". The Apostle Yochanan (John) had the following revelation where we learn when Moses will again sing this song:

 

Revelation 15:1-4 I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues--last, because with them God's wrath is completed. And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. They held harps given them by God And sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, HaShem, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."

 

Our way to HaShem is built on the tears we've shed. When we sing the Shirah, it's the greatest moment the Jewish people have ever experienced as a nation, but two things undermine its glory. How can the angels sing, HaShem wants to know, if His creatures (the Egyptians) are drowning. Second, the Shirah is a great event, but forty years of wandering in the desert await the Jews, wars with Amalek, Midianites, spiritual tests, physical tests. The road ahead is rough, this generation will have to die out first before the people enter the Promised Land. All this adds up to a Song aware that the future must contain a greater moment, an ultimate redemption. This idea is alluded to in the first two words. True, Moses 'sang' but there is more that will be sung about—in the future. In the present, in a world not yet redeemed, we cannot truly sing.

 

Passover and "firstborn" are intimately linked. I believe that the events in Egypt happened on the day that HaShem ordained from eternity to be Passover. With this in mind, I suggest another Passover event:

 

Bereshit (Genesis) 4:1-8 Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, "With the help of HaShem I have brought forth a man." Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to HaShem. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. HaShem looked with favor on Abel and his offering, But on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then HaShem said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

 

And the righteous firstborn was killed...

And so the Talmud records:

 

Zevachim 116a The master said: ‘And all offered burnt-offerings’. Only burnt-offerings, but not peace-offerings? Surely it is written, and sacrificed peace-offerings of oxen?[52] — Say rather, all offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings. But it was taught: But not peace-offerings, save only burnt-offerings? — That is in accordance with the view that the Children of Noah did not offer peace-offerings.[53] For it was stated, R. Eleazar and R. Jose b. Hanina [disagree]. One maintained: The Children of Noah offered peace-offerings; while the other maintained: They did not. What is the reason for the view that the Children of Noah did offer peace-offerings? — Because it is written, And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat [heleb] thereof.[54] What thing is it whose ‘fat’ [heleb] [only] is offered on the altar, but the whole of it is not offered on the altar? Say, that is a peace-offering. What is the reason of the view that the Children of Noah did not offer peace-offerings? — Because it is written, Awake, O north, and come, thou south:[55] [this means,] Awake, O people whose rites [were performed] in the north, and come, O people, whose rites [will henceforth be performed] in the north and the south.[56] But as to this master, surely it is written, ‘of the fat thereof’? — That means, of their fat ones.[57] And as to the other master, surely it is written, ‘Awake, O north [etc.]’? — That refers to the ingathering of the exiles.[58]

 

The Passover sacrifice can be a peace offering, as was alluded to in the above Talmudic reference.

 

Zevachim 7b WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE PASSOVER-OFFERING AND THE SIN- OFFERING. How do we know it of the Passover-offering? — Because it is written, Observe the month of Abib, and prepare the Passover-offering;[59] [this intimates] that all its preparations must be in the name of the Passover-offering. We have thus found [that] change in respect of sanctity [disqualifies it]; how do we know [the same of] change in respect of owner? — Because it says, Then ye shall say: It is the slaughtering of HaShem's Passover,[60] [which teaches] that the ‘slaughtering’ must be done in the name of the Passover-offering. Now since this teaching is redundant in respect of change in respect of sanctity,[61] apply the teaching to change in respect of owner. We have thus found it as a regulation;[62] how do we know that it is indispensable?[63] — Scripture saith, And thou shalt sacrifice the Passover-offering unto HaShem thy God.[64] To this R. Safra demurred: Does this [passage], ‘And thou shalt sacrifice etc.’ come for this purpose: Surely it is required for R. Nahman's dictum? For R. Nahman said in Rabbah b. Abbuha's name: How do we know that the leftover of a Passover-offering is brought as a peace-offering?[65] Because it is said, ‘And thou shalt sacrifice the Passover-offering unto HaShem thy God, of the flock and of the herd.’ Now surely the Passover-offering comes only from lambs or from goats?[66] Hence we learn that the left-over of the Passover-offering is to be [utilized] for something which comes from the flock and from the herd; and what is it? A peace-offering. — Rather, said R. Safra: ‘And thou shalt sacrifice the Passover-offering’ [is required] for R. Nahman's dictum; ‘Observe the month of Abib’ [is required] for the regulation in respect of changed sanctity; ‘ Then ye shall say: [It is] the slaughtering of HaShem's Passover’ [is required] for the regulation relating to change in respect of owner; ‘it is’[67] teaches that it is indispensable, both in the former and in the latter cases.[68]

 

Targum Pseudo Jonathan Genesis 4:1ff IV. And Adam knew Hava his wife, who had desired the Angel; and she conceived, and bare Kain; and she said, I have acquired a man, the Angel of the Lord. And she added to bear from her husband Adam his twin, even Habel. And Habel was a shepherd of the flock, but Kain was a man working in the earth. And it was at the end of days, on the fourteenth of Nisan, that Kain brought of the produce of the earth, the seed of cotton (or line), an oblation of first things before the Lord; and Habel brought of the firstlings of the flock, and of their fat; and it was pleasing before the Lord, and He gave (His) countenance to Habel and to his oblation; but to Kain and to his oblation He gave no countenance. And Kain was angered greatly, and the features of his face were downcast. And the Lord said to Kain, Why hast thou anger, and why are the features of thy face downcast? If thou doest thy work well, will not thy guilt be forgiven thee? But if thou doest not thy work well in this world, thy sin is retained unto the day of the great judgment, and at the doors of thy heart lieth thy sin. And into thy hand have I delivered the power over evil passion, and unto thee shall be the inclination thereof, that thou mayest have authority over it to become righteous, or to sin.

 

So, the Sages[69] say that Cain and Abel both brought their offerings on Nisan 14 - Passover. Abel's offering, the fat portions of a firstborn lamb are accepted. Cain's offering, firstfruits, was not accepted. The reason that Cain's offering was not accepted is because the first day that the Torah permits the bringing of firstfruits is on Nisan 16, that is, the next day! On Nisan 15, Abel's is the correct offering for Passover.

 

 

VII. Chametz

 

Why the emphasis on Pesach to be chametz-free (leaven-free)?

 

On Pesach (Passover) we are forbidden to own chametz (leavened bread, i.e.., virtually any flour product not especially produced for Pesach) or have it in our possession. On the evening preceding Pesach there is a serious search of the home for chametz.

 

Chametz is described by the Gemara as the Yetzer HaRa, the evil inclination, which prevents us from doing HaShem’s will:

 

Berachot 17a R. Alexandri on concluding his prayer used to add the following: Sovereign of the Universe, it is known full well to Thee that our will is to perform Thy will, and what prevents us? The yeast in the dough3 and the subjection to the foreign Powers. May it be Thy will to deliver us from their hand, so that we may return to perform the statutes of Thy will with a perfect heart!

 

Passover is the time of freedom -- spiritual freedom (which is the essence of why HaShem brought us out of Egypt). The only thing that stands between you and HaShem ... is you. To come close to HaShem (which is the essence of life and the opportunity of every mitzva and holiday), one must remove his arrogance. This is the lesson of removing the chametz from our possession.

 

Freedom means having the ability to use your free will to grow and develop. People think they are free when really they are "slaves" to the fads and fashion of their society. Slavery is non-thinking action, rote behavior, following the impulse desires of the body. Our job on Pesach is to come out of slavery into freedom.

 

One of the freedoms to work on during Pesach is "freedom of the mouth." The sages view the mouth as the most dangerous part of the body. It is the only organ that can cause problems in both direction, what comes in (food and drink) and what goes out (speech). It is so dangerous, it is the only part of the body that has two coverings, hard teeth and soft lips. Most of us are slaves to the mouth, both in what we eat and in what we speak.

 

On Seder night we fix this. We have the mitzva of speaking of the leaving Egypt to fix speech, and the matza and four cups of wine to fix eating and drinking.

 

The structure of the Hebrew language hints at the goal of "freedom of the mouth." Pesach can be divided into two words: Peh Sach, which means "the mouth speaks", we are commanded to tell the story of the Exodus the whole night. The Hebrew word, Paro, (Pharaoh, the persecutor of the Jewish people in the Pesach story) can be divided into two words: Peh Rah, a "bad mouth." Our affliction of the slavery in Egypt was characterized as Perach, (difficult work) which can be read as two words: Peh Rach, "a loose mouth."

 

May we all merit on this Pesach to get free from the "bad mouth," and to overcome the "loose mouth" where too much of the wrong food and drink come in and too many inappropriate words slip out.

 

A Mystical Insight

 

The Torah indicates that Paro’s magicians could not replicate the plague of kenim, lice:

 

Shemot (Exodus) 8:18 And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.

 

Why couldn’t the magicians bring forth lice? The Talmud brings us the answer:

 

Sanhedrin 67b Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: R. Eleazar, said: This proves that a magician cannot produce a creature less than a barley corn in size. R. Papa said: By God! he cannot produce even something as large as a camel; but these [larger than a barley corn] he can [magically] collect [and so produce the illusion that he has magically created them], the others he cannot.

 

So, a louse is too small to be reproduced by the evil side, hmmmm. This suggest that size is important to evil. Evil requires a certain size in order to operate. This includes a certain size of time! Now, since nearly all of the mitzvot of Pesach deal with this issue of size, lets examine some of the mitzvot and their implications.

 

חמץ - Chametz

מצה - Matza

 

Chametz (leaven) shares nearly the identical letters with matza (unleavened bread). The only difference is that one has a chet (ח) and the other has a hay (ה). A careful examination of these two letters will reveal that the only difference is one very tiny line. A line so short it is just a point.

 

What is the difference between matza and chametz? To bake matza, we must have the matza cooked within 18 minutes of the time we first add water to the flour. If we go 18 minutes and one seconds…. The matza becomes chametz.

 

The difference is one second! The same ingredients that make matza, if left an extra second will become chametz. Again, the difference is very tiny.

 

Keep in mind that the number 18 is written in Hebrew as: יח These two letters can be reversed to spell: חי Which is the Hebrew word for life!

 

Now if we eat chametz at Passover, the penalty is spiritual excision:

 

Shemot (Exodus)12:15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.

 

WOW! If we eat matza at Passover, it is a mitzva derisa and we enter the sublime spiritual realms because of the mitzva. But, if we eat the same stuff that took a second longer to cook, we are completely cut off from Israel! Such is the transcendent level that Jews are to live. Time is important!

 

The Torah tells us that the Children of Israel left so quickly that their dough was still matza and not yet chametz:

 

Shemot (Shemot (Exodus)) 12:33-34 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We [be] all dead [men]. And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.

 

Now why did the children of Israel need to leave so quickly?

 

Pesach was a time of an incredible, undeserved, outpouring of kindness and beneficence from HaShem. The Bnei Israel had descended to the 49th level of impurity and had almost no merits with which to beseech HaShem for salvation. Nevertheless, HaShem initiated a great deliverance for Bnei Israel.

 

Therefore, the Torah says that the Bnei Israel left in haste.

 

Now, why did Bnei Israel have to leave in “haste”? We have just had ten incredible miracles. We have had no work for the slaves for almost a month. The Egyptians are urging Israel to leave. Why do they have to leave in a hurry? Their spiritual level is higher than it has been for generations. They have had the mitzva of Passover to lift them. Why do they have to leave in a hurry?

 

Some would say that if they had remained they would have sunk beyond the 49th level of impurity, to reach a point of no return. I do not think that there was “immediate” danger of this.

 

The Sages teach (one opinion) that if they had stayed another minute they would have become like angels. They indicate that the spiritual energy was so great that it would have ushered in the Messianic age before they had earned it. This is why they had to leave in haste.

 

This is where the Bnei Israel must live. They must act when the spiritual energy is at its height.

 

There is another thing to note in the hasty exodus: The problem with one more minute in Egypt, is ONE MORE MINUTE. HaShem’s people were called on to live at the transcendent moment when there is a transfer of spiritual energy, the male ecstatic experience. They may not waste the male seed:

 

Bereshit (Genesis) 38:9-10 And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled [it] on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. And the thing which he did displeased HaShem: wherefore he slew him also.

 

Jews are called to make the “seed” count. To live at that moment when there is a transfer of spiritual energy. This is why Avraham said that he was dust and ashes:

 

Bereshit (Genesis) 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto HaShem, which [am but] dust and ashes:

 

What are dust and ashes? Dust is the dirt that nourishes new growth. Dust is what happens if we remove the water from a thing and put it through fire. This implies that Avraham was constantly at the point of new growth. As soon as the new growth took place, he would ash it and make it into the fertilizer for new growth. He lived at the transitional point of the male ecstatic experience. He was constantly changing himself to conform to the revelation of HaShem.

 

From this, we can see why the Torah demands that Pesach should take place in the springtime:

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:2-3 This month [shall be] unto you the beginning of months: it [shall be] the first month of the year to you. Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth [day] of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of [their] fathers, a lamb for an house:..

 

Shemot (Exodus) 23:15 Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)

 

Now Abib is the Hebrew term for the green ears of barley. Pesach must be celebrated in the time of the year when the Barley is in the green ear stage. Pesach must take place at that time of the year when the very first crop is ripening (as Israel was ripening) when all of the other plants are just beginning their new growth. It is at this transitional point that the nation of Israel was born. Israel was meant to be a nation which is above time, constantly making themselves into dust and ashes in order that they should have more new growth.

 

This should not be too surprising when we remember that the Bnei Israel are to live forever to serve HaShem. This is a state they earn by constantly living beyond time, by constantly making each moment new.

 

The Sages teach us that there is no punishment for eating less that kasais, the bulk of an olive, of forbidden food, if done accidentally. So, if a drom of milk accidentally falls in the beef stew, we are allowed to eat it. But one Torah prohibition does not follow this standard, chametz. If we even so much as possess, much less eat, the tiniest speck of chametz during Pesach, the punishment is keret, spiritual excision. We have no other mitzva like it. This mitzva declares that we are to live in the moment which is beyond the reach of the Yetzer hara – a moment beyond time.

 

The Sages teach that the Yetzer hara, evil inclination, cannot touch one who acts immediately at the flash of inspiration from HaShem. If we live at that transcendental moment, we will live beyond the reach of Paro’s magicians, beyond the reach of evil. Then HaShem will reward us midda kneged midda, measure for measure.

 

The message is very clear: cross the spiritual threshold into the world above nature, and you are untouchable by evil – by Amalek. Remain in the physical world of Amalek, and know that you will be subject to the world and to evil..

 

The problem with one more minute in Egypt, was one more minute!

 

The Pesach Experience

 

The Inspiration – The male ecstatic experience – Our redemption is a gift from HaShem:

 

            We are leaving slavery to serve HaShem!

 

Inspiration quashed:

 

            More work, no straw.

 

            The bad guys get 10 plagues.

 

Inspiration revived!

 

            We go out of Egypt with a high hand!

 

Inspiration quashed with a vengeance!

 

            We are trapped between a sea and an army.

 

Inspiration Fulfilled – The gift is ours:

 

            The army is dead – we are free!

 

The gift is removed – time to earn the inspiration, time to build and prepare for birth – The female ecstatic experience:

 

50 days of hard work, then we will stand as

one at Mt. Sinai, then we will receive the

Torah.

 

Now, the inspiration has had its intended effect. We have all attained to prophecy, we have united as one in our service of HaShem. The female’s job of building has reached fruition and a Torah nation is born!

 

This Passover pattern is repeated daily in our lives:

The inspiration,

the death of the inspiration,

the revival of the inspiration,

the double death of the inspiration,

the hard work of earning what the inspiration promised,

and finally the inspiration is fulfilled – and it is ours, we have earned it and its reward!

 

An example:

 

The inspiration – the male ecstatic experience: Our wife on our honeymoon.

 

The death of the inspiration: Oh my! I married the wrong woman!

 

The inspiration revived: We made up!

 

Double death of the inspiration: Fights, hassles, and money problems.

 

Inspiration fulfilled – the female ecstatic experience: 50 years of hard work means that our golden wedding anniversary and second honeymoon are even better than our first. And this time all of our children are there too!

 

Another example:

 

The inspiration – the male ecstatic experience: The teenager who knows everything, can be anything he wants, and is impervious to bad health.

 

The death of the inspiration: My first job, slinging hamburgers. I am NOT CEO of IBM. My fingers all have burns and my back is aching.

 

The inspiration revived: I was made manager of the hamburger joint.

 

Double death of the inspiration: Been working at the same hamburger joint for 15 years. I am not inspired, I have nothing to show for the last 15 years, I am getting a mid-life bulge, I found a gray hair, and my wife needs more money.

 

Inspiration fulfilled – the female ecstatic experience: 25 years later, I got promoted to CEO of the burger joint. My gray hair is now a sign of my wisdom, I do not even notice the bulge, and my wife and kids think that I am terrific!

 

So, what do we learn from this?

 

We learn that there is an overlap of the spiritual and the physical world:

 

 

 

Spiritual Physical……...

 

Where the spiritual overlaps the physical is where God’s people are supposed to live. They are supposed to live in that moment of inspiration (the green area) before the evil has had the time to take hold. We are called to act spiritually within the physical world. We are to live in that transcendent time which is too small for the evil inclination to take hold.

 

We are supposed to ride that moment of inspiration to the extent that we are so inspired that we never see the death of the inspiration, only the constant building of that inspiration. We are to take the inspiration of Pesach and use it to build a level that carries us through the entire year.

 

* * *

 

מצה – Matza

מצוה – Mitzva

 

Soncino Zohar, Bereshit, Section 1, Page 157a As R. Hiya and R. Jose were once walking on the road, the latter said: ‘Every time we walk together and discuss matters pertaining to the Torah, God performs for us miracles, and now that we have a long road before us let us occupy ourselves in the Torah and so God will join us.’ R. Hiya then opened with the verse: In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread (Ex. XII, 18). ‘This unleavened bread’, he said, ‘is called in another place “bread of affliction” (Deut. XVI, 3), an expression on which the companions have commented as follows. When Israel were in Egypt they were under an alien power; and when God desired to bring them near unto Himself, He assigned them the region of the bread of ’oni (affliction), the term ’oni admitting also of the reading ’ani (poor), and thus pointing to King David, who said of himself: “for I am poor (’ani) and needy” (Ps. LXXXVI, 1). Now this bread of affliction is called matza (unleavened bread), symbolic of the female principle, which without the male principle is, so to speak, in poverty. Thus Israel were first brought near the grade symbolized by matza. But afterwards God caused them to enter other grades, until the male principle joined the female principle, and so matza received the addition of the letter vav, symbolic of the male principle, and became converted into mitzva (command, precept). So Scripture says: “For this commandment” (Deut. XXX, 7): first matza (unleavened bread), then mitzva (commandment).’

 

 

Unleavened bread

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:15-20 For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast. On the first day remove the yeast from your houses, for whoever eats anything with yeast in it from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel. On the first day hold a sacred assembly, and another one on the seventh day. Do no work at all on these days, except to prepare food for everyone to eat--that is all you may do. "Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. In the first month you are to eat bread made without yeast, from the evening of the fourteenth day until the evening of the twenty-first day. For seven days no yeast is to be found in your houses. And whoever eats anything with yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel, whether he is an alien or native-born. Eat nothing made with yeast. Wherever you live, you must eat unleavened bread."

 

Shemot (Exodus) 13:6-7 For seven days eat bread made without yeast and on the seventh day hold a festival to HaShem. Eat unleavened bread during those seven days; nothing with yeast in it is to be seen among you, nor shall any yeast be seen anywhere within your borders.

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:21-31 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, "Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. Not one of you shall go out the door of his house until morning. When HaShem goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down. "Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. When you enter the land that HaShem will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. And when your children ask you, 'What does this ceremony mean to you?' Then tell them, 'It is the Passover sacrifice to HaShem, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.'" Then the people bowed down and worshiped. The Israelites did just what HaShem commanded Moses and Aaron. At midnight HaShem struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead. During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, "Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship HaShem as you have requested.

 

"What does this ceremony mean to you?" - This is the Haggadah question asked by the wicked son.

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:43-51 HaShem said to Moses and Aaron, "These are the regulations for the Passover: "No foreigner is to eat of it. Any slave you have bought may eat of it after you have circumcised him, But a temporary resident and a hired worker may not eat of it. "It must be eaten inside one house; take none of the meat outside the house. Do not break any of the bones. The whole community of Israel must celebrate it. "An alien living among you who wants to celebrate HaShem’s Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised; then he may take part like one born in the land. No uncircumcised male may eat of it. The same law applies to the native-born and to the alien living among you." All the Israelites did just what HaShem had commanded Moses and Aaron. And on that very day HaShem brought the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions.

 

Passover is the festival of "firsts"

 

It is the first festival in the first month of the year.                            Shemot (Exodus) 12:2ff

It is the festival of the firstborn of God, Israel.

 

It is the festival where the firstborn of the wicked are destroyed.

 

It is the festival where Israel is first called a "congregation".             Shemot (Exodus) 12:3

 

It is the first sacred assembly.

                                    Shemot (Exodus) 12:16

 

It is the festival where God first said that the first male belongs to Him.      Shemot (Exodus) 13:2

 

The Passover memorial

 

Shemot (Exodus) 34:25 "Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast, and do not let any of the sacrifice from the Passover Feast remain until morning.

 

Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:4-5 "'These are HaShem’s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times: HaShem’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month.

 

Passover is to be celebrated forever...not just until Yeshua came!

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:17 "Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.

 

VIII. Names given to the Passover Festival

 

The festival of Passover is given four different names in either the Bible or in the oral Torah:

 

1. The Festival of Pesach - Shemot (Exodus) 34:25.

 

2. The Festival of Matzot - Shemot (Exodus) 23:15 & 34:18.

 

3. The Time of Freedom and Redemption -(Mishna Pesachim 10:5).

 

4. The Festival of Spring (Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:1).

 

The first night of Passover is also called the "night of vigil" or the "night of seder", order. Where does the "seder" come from? We are told that it is in recognition of the fact that when the children of Israel fled Egypt, though in great haste, they did so with a sense of order rather than of chaos.

 

"Behold! I send you Eliyahu the prophet before the great and awesome day of HaShem" (7:3).The night of Pesach is called "A night of guardings," when the Jewish People are guarded from their enemies. "A night of guardings" also implies that the night of Pesach is `guarded', set aside for all time, as the night of the final redemption. In other words, every year, the night of Pesach, because it contains the power of the redemption from Egypt, has the ability to bring forth actual redemption from the potential. Shabbat also has this ability to express and crystallize the latent power of the week that follows it. Therefore, every Shabbat HaGadol contains the capability of the redemption from Egypt, for "the great and awesome day of HaShem", the day of the final redemption, is already awakened in it. (Maharal)

 

IX. Passover vs. Unleavened Bread

 

Some have suggested that Passover and the Feast of Unleavened bread are two different feasts on two different days. I believe the scriptures teach that these are two names for the same festival, observe that:

 

1. The day they came out of Egypt, which was Passover day and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, begins a festival that lasts for seven days and is to be observed by eating unleavened bread.

 

Shemot (Exodus) 13:3-8 Then Moses said to the people, "Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because HaShem brought you out of it with a mighty hand. Eat nothing containing yeast. Today, in the month of Abib, you are leaving. When HaShem brings you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites and Jebusites--the land he swore to your forefathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey--you are to observe this ceremony in this month: For seven days eat bread made without yeast and on the seventh day hold a festival to HaShem. Eat unleavened bread during those seven days; nothing with yeast in it is to be seen among you, nor shall any yeast be seen anywhere within your borders. On that day tell your son, 'I do this because of what HaShem did for me when I came out of Egypt.'

 

2. Passover is specifically said to last seven days[70]:

 

Yehezekel (Ezekiel) 45:21 "'In the first month on the fourteenth day you are to observe the Passover, a feast lasting seven days, during which you shall eat bread made without yeast.

 

Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:1-6 Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover of HaShem your God, because in the month of Abib he brought you out of Egypt by night. Sacrifice as the Passover to HaShem your God an animal from your flock or herd at the place HaShem will choose as a dwelling for his Name. Do not eat it with bread made with yeast, but for seven days eat unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left Egypt in haste--so that all the days of your life you may remember the time of your departure from Egypt. Let no yeast be found in your possession in all your land for seven days. Do not let any of the meat you sacrifice on the evening of the first day remain until morning. You must not sacrifice the Passover in any town HaShem your God gives you Except in the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name. There you must sacrifice the Passover in the evening, when the sun goes down, on the anniversary of your departure from Egypt.

 

3. The Feast of Unleavened bread began on the fourteenth day of the first month as did Passover:

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:14-20 "This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to HaShem--a lasting ordinance. For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast. On the first day remove the yeast from your houses, for whoever eats anything with yeast in it from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel. On the first day hold a sacred assembly, and another one on the seventh day. Do no work at all on these days, except to prepare food for everyone to eat--that is all you may do. "Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. In the first month you are to eat bread made without yeast, from the evening of the fourteenth day until the evening of the twenty-first day. For seven days no yeast is to be found in your houses. And whoever eats anything with yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel, whether he is an alien or native-born. Eat nothing made with yeast. Wherever you live, you must eat unleavened bread."

 

Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:5 HaShem’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month.

 

Ezra puts the Feast of Unleavened Bread and Passover into the same context. This context indicates both names, the fourteenth of the first month, and that it was celebrated for seven days. Thus, Ezra gives evidence that even in his day Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are the same festival.

 

Ezra 6:19-22 On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles celebrated the Passover. The priests and Levites had purified themselves and were all ceremonially clean. The Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their brothers the priests and for themselves. So the Israelites who had returned from the exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of their Gentile neighbors in order to seek HaShem, the God of Israel. For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because HaShem had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.

 

The disciples give us another clear example of how the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are the same festival in:

 

Matityahu (Matthew) 26:17 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Yeshua and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"

 

For those who say that Passover occurs BEFORE the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the above passage indicates otherwise. The above passage clearly has preparation for Passover beginning on the first Day of Unleavened Bread!

 

This next passage put the Passover and the feast of Unleavened bread together in terms of time; i.e. they were BOTH two days away on the same day!

 

Marqos (Mark) 14:1 Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Yeshua and kill him.

 

This next passage makes a Passover seder happen on the first day of Unleavened Bread.

 

Marqos (Mark) 14:12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Yeshua' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"

 

In this next passage, Luqas (Luke) flat out calls the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Passover:

 

Luqas (Luke) 22:1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching,

 

Our Messiah, Yeshua, commanded us to obey the Pharisees in:

 

Matityahu (Matthew) 23:2-3 "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

 

The Pharisees have commanded us to celebrate Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a single festival which lasts for seven days. A short look at any Jewish calendar will also verify the understanding and command of the Pharisees.

 

The Babylonian Talmud, Soncino edition, in Mo'ed Katan 2a, contains a footnote which says:

 

“I.e., during the middle period of the two longer Feasts, namely, the ‘Feast of Unleavened Bread’ (Passover) and that of Tabernacles, v. Introduction.”

 

Which clearly indicates that Passover is just another name for the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

 

So, I believe I have sufficiently proven that Passover and the Feast of Unleavened both: Start on the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month.

 

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened both: Last for seven days.

 

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened both: Commemorate the day Israel, and a large mixed multitude, left Egypt.

 

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened both: Are the same festival according to the Pharisees.

 

The Torah calls Pesach "Chag HaMatzot." But we call it "Pesach." Why is this so? Rav Chaim Volozhiner explains as follows:

 

The word Matzot and the word Mitzvot are spelled exactly the same in Hebrew. Thus "Chag HaMatzot" can be read "Chag HaMitzvot," meaning that by leaving Egypt and receiving the Torah, the Jewish People now have the opportunity to earn great reward by doing the Mitzvot.

 

Pesach, on the other hand, means Passover: HaShem "passed over" the houses of the Bnei Israel. By calling it Pesach, we emphasize the good that HaShem has done for us.

 

Our Sages teach us not to serve HaShem with an eye to the reward; rather we should serve Him out of a sense of love and gratitude. By calling it Pesach we de-emphasize the reward that each Mitzva brings, and instead focus on the good that HaShem has done for us. Rabbi Reuven Lauffer

 

 

X. Passover Customs

 

Ever since there has been a Passover to celebrate, it has been an occasion marked by a variety of customs and rites special to different Jewish communities throughout the world. Some traditions are held in common. On the first night of Pesach, every Jew is required to perform five mitzvot. Two are required by the Torah:

 

1. To eat matza (Shemot 12:18);

2. To recount the story of the Exodus from Egypt (Shemot 13:8).

 

The other three are rabbinical ordinances:

 

1. To drink four cups of wine;

2. To eat maror;

3. To recite Hallel, the psalms of praise.

 

Other traditions are characteristic of specific communities and we find a great diversity of eating customs, as well as what defines chametz (leaven), between Sephardi and Ashkenazi Jews. One of the traditions held in common is that of drinking four cups of wine. But whereas Ashkenazi Jews have always poured a fifth cup in honor of the prophet Elijah, it is only in recent generations of Sephardim that we find this custom. Jews of western background have traditionally opened the door for the prophet as part of the "vigil" and to demonstrate that on this night the House of Israel knows no fear but we find this custom in only a few Sephardic communities.

 

There can be no doubt that the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt marks one of the most dramatic and pivotal events in Jewish history. Various communities throughout the world, paying heed to the Haggadah's admonition that each of us must feel as if we personally had experienced this deliverance, have dramatized the Exodus in highly personalized fashion. A member of a Moroccan Jewish household would dress in rags as a weary traveler, carry a satchel upon his back go outside, and knock on the door. Upon entering the house, he would ask: "Where have the children of Israel gone?" Those assembled would reply: "To Eretz Israel, the Land of Israel." The "traveler" would then ask: "Who saved Israel?" And receive the answer, "Our father Moses." After this exchange, the "traveler" was made welcome and the seder would begin.

 

In Libya, the head of the family would wrap half of the Afikomen in cloth and place it upon his shoulder. He would leave the room, return, and be asked by those gathered: "Where have you been?" To which he would reply: "In Egypt." He is next asked: "Where are you going?" And would answer: "To Jerusalem." At this point, everyone would sing out: "Next year in Jerusalem!"

 

In other North African communities, the men would gather in the streets, carrying walking sticks, and greet each other by saying: "This is how our forefathers left Egypt." The Jews of Algiers would sing in the streets" "When Israel left Egypt and Jacob left a foreign land." Such customs, with slight variations, were common amongst the Jews of Babylon, Kurdistan, the Caucasus and Salonika.

 

Several Hassidic communities in Europe followed a similar custom by having a member of the household present himself to the rabbi with a sack of matzot. The Hakham would ask: "Where have you come from?" To which he was answered: "From Egypt." The Hakham would express astonishment by saying: "How is it possible to go beyond the closed gates of Egypt when you are but a slave?" The Hakham would be told: "Tonight is the night of vigil, the night of order, HaShem has given us wonders and miracles and has brought us from slavery into freedom."

 

During the Seder it is traditional for the youngest child to ask four questions about the uniqueness of Passover, which the leader answers. Children are encouraged to participate and to think of their history as if they themselves had been delivered from slavery. They are also taught in the Haggadah that, because the Israelites were strangers in Egypt, Jews must remember to welcome strangers in their midst.

 

OF EGGS AND SYMBOLISM

 

An egg is always placed upon the seder plate. Some say that the round egg, a symbol of mourning, is eaten in memory of either the destruction of the Temple, the exile of the Jews, or the death of Moses. Perhaps all of the above. Another explanation for this custom is that, according to tradition, the eating of eggs was forbidden by Egyptian law at the time of the Exodus and therefore it is eaten at the seder in celebration of freedom. The egg also represents the Chagigah, the festival offering, offered at Pesach.

 

Learned scholars of the mystical kabbala attach profound meaning to the symbols of Passover. Chametz, for example, which Jews traditionally do their best to be rid of before the seder, is symbolic of man's evil inclinations. The matzot, on the other hand, symbolizes man's positive inclinations. Different symbols, different customs and traditions, all become part of the glorious Jewish mosaic which is the Festival of Passover.

 

Unleavened bread

 

Shemot (Exodus) 12:15-20 For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast. On the first day remove the yeast from your houses, for whoever eats anything with yeast in it from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel. On the first day hold a sacred assembly, and another one on the seventh day. Do no work at all on these days, except to prepare food for everyone to eat--that is all you may do. "Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. In the first month you are to eat bread made without yeast, from the evening of the fourteenth day until the evening of the twenty-first day. For seven days no yeast is to be found in your houses. And whoever eats anything with yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel, whether he is an alien or native-born. Eat nothing made with yeast. Wherever you live, you must eat unleavened bread."

 

Evening: same as the above definition

 

Shemot (Exodus) 13:6-7 For seven days eat bread made without yeast and on the seventh day hold a festival to HaShem. Eat unleavened bread during those seven days; nothing with yeast in it is to be seen among you, nor shall any yeast be seen anywhere within your borders.

 


 

The Mishna:

The olah (the burnt offering) is a sacrifice of the kodshei kodashim (the most sanctified category). Its blood is sprinkled upon the altar in two applications which are like four.

 

The Method:

The Korban (literally means "to draw near") Pesach (paschal lamb sacrifice eaten on the eve of Pesach in the time of the Beit HaMikdash) may be eaten only at night (not on the day it is slaughtered as is the case in regard to all other sacrifices) and only until midnight.

 

The Halakhah:

This Mishna is cited as a support for establishing the Halakhah according to the view of Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah, whose position is that the Korban Pesach can only be eaten until midnight and not like the position of Rabbi Akiva that it can be eaten by Torah Law until dawn.

 

The Application:

Even though we have no Korban Pesach today this ruling affects us in regard to the schedule of our Pesach Seder. The Sage Rava states (Pesachim 120b) that since the Torah links the mitzva of eating matza to that of Korban Pesach, one must eat matza, which is a mitzva even when there is no Korban, before midnight according to Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah in order to fulfill the mitzva .

 

Other Ramifications:

Both Tosefot and Rabeinu Nissim extend this midnight deadline to the eating of the Afikomen as well since it is eaten as a remembrance of the Korban Pesach. In regard to the recital of Hallel after the Afikomen, however, there is a difference of opinion. Rabeinu Nissim in Mesechta Megillah quotes a Tosefist opinion that it too should be recited before midnight. But the Tosefot in Megillah 21a notes that since Hallel is only a rabbinic obligation one need not be so stringent about saying it before midnight.

 

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 477:1) rules that the Afikomen should be eaten before midnight but makes no mention of Hallel. The Rama, however, adds that one should conduct the Seder early enough to allow for reciting Hallel before midnight. Based on the aforementioned sources we can well understand why the Mishna Berurah points out that an effort should be made in regard to Hallel before midnight but that is not as serious a requirement as the Afikomen. Zevachim 57b

 

* * *

 

ORDER OF THE PESACH OFFERING

SAID AFTER THE MINCHA (AFTERNOON) PRAYER

 

"We offer the words of our lips in place of the sacrifice of bullocks."

 

The Mincha prayer is instead of the daily afternoon offering, and in the time of the Beit HaMikdash the Pesach offering was sacrificed after the daily afternoon offering. Thus it is appropriate to study the order of the Pesach offering after Mincha, and say the following:

 

The Pesach offering is brought from yearling male lambs or goats, and slaughtered anywhere in the Temple court only after midday of the fourteenth of Nisan, after the slaughtering of the daily afternoon offering and after the afternoon cleaning of the cups of the menorah.

 

One should not slaughter the Pesach offering while chametz is in his possession. If he slaughtered it before the daily afternoon offering, it is acceptable, provided that someone stir the blood of the Pesach offering so that it will not congeal until the blood of the daily afternoon offering will have been sprinkled, and then the blood of the Pesach offering is sprinkled once toward the base of the altar.

 

How is it done? The shochet slaughters it, and the first Kohen at the head of the line receives it and hands it over to his colleague, and his colleague to his colleague, and the Kohen nearest the altar sprinkles it once toward the base of the altar.

 

He returns the empty vessel to his colleague, and his colleague to his colleague, receiving first the full vessel and then returning the empty one.[71]

 

There were rows of silver vessels and rows of golden vessels, and the vessels did not have flat bottoms, lest they set them down and the blood become congealed.

 

Afterwards they hung the Pesach offering, flayed it completely, tore it open, cleansed its bowels until the wastes were removed.

 

They took out the parts offered on the altar, namely, the fat that is on the entrails, the lobe of the liver, the two kidneys with the fat on them, and the tail up to the backbone, and placed them in a ritual vessel.

 

The Kohen then salted them and burned them upon the altar, each one individually.

 

The slaughtering, the sprinkling of its blood, the cleansing of its bowels and the burning of its fat override the Shabbat, but other things pertaining to it do not override the Shabbat.

 

Likewise, if [the fourteenth of Nisan] falls on Shabbat, the Pesach offerings are not carried home, but one group remains with their Pesach offerings on the Temple mount, the second group sits in the chel [an area just outside the Temple court], and the third stands in its place [in the courtyard].

 

After nightfall they go to their places and roast the Pesach offering.

 

The Pesach offering was slaughtered in three groups, each group consisting of no less than thirty men.

 

The first group entered, the Temple court was filled, they closed [its doors], and while they were slaughtering it and offering its parts on the altar, they [the Levi'im] recited the Hallel; if they finished [Hallel] before all sacrificed, they repeated it, and if they repeated it [and were not finished yet], they recited it a third time.

 

Each time Hallel was recited, [the Kohanim, the priests] sounded three blasts of the trumpet: tekiah, Teruah, tekiah.

 

When the offering was ended, they opened the doors of the Temple court, the first group went out and the second entered, and they closed the doors of the Temple court.

 

When they finished, they opened the doors, the second group went out and the third entered.

 

The procedure of each group was the same.

 

After they all had left, they washed the Temple court, even on Shabbat, of the filth of the blood.

 

How was the washing done? A water duct passed through the Temple court and had an outlet from the court.

 

When they wished to wash the floor, they shut the outlet and the stream overflowed its sides until the water rose and flooded the [floor] all around and all the blood and dirt of the court were gathered to it.

 

Then they opened the outlet, everything flowed out and the floor was completely clean; this is the honor of the Temple.

 

If the Pesach offering was found to be unfit, one did not fulfill his obligation until he brings another one.

 

This is a very brief description of the order of the Pesach offering. The God-fearing person should recite it in its proper time, that its recital shall be regarded in place of its offering.

 

One should be concerned about the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash, and plead before HaShem, the Creator of the universe, that He rebuild it speedily in our days; Amen.

* * *

 

HaShem's Passover lamb can only be slain at the place where HaShem put His name - The Temple:

 

Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:5-6 You must not sacrifice the Passover in any town HaShem your God gives you Except in the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name. There you must sacrifice the Passover in the evening, when the sun goes down, on the anniversary of your departure from Egypt.

 

* * *

 

LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF PESACH

Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson

 

1. Thirty Days Before The Festival

 

1. Our Sages of blessed memory instituted that 30 days before Pesach, the laws of Pesach should begin to be expounded in public.

 

2. In our generation, however, when all the laws have been written in the "Shulchan Aruch," it is a mitzva for everyone to learn the laws of Pesach, until one knows them well and knows what to do.

 

3. Throughout the thirty days before Pesach, we are careful that no chametz should become attached to anything to the extent that it cannot easily be removed by Erev Pesach. There is also a custom to begin cleaning the house and dishes beginning 30 days before Pesach due to the large amount of work involved.

 

4. During the 30 days before Pesach, one should avoid eating matza.

 

2. The Month of Nisan

 

1. We do not say "Tachanun" during the entire month of Nisan, nor do we say "av harachamim" or "tzidkoscho tzedek" on the "Shabbatot" of this month.

 

2. From Rosh Chodesh Nisan until the 12th of Nisan inclusive in the morning after "shacharit," we say the "nossi" of the day (in parsha "Nosso").

 

3. After the "nossi" we say the "yehi ratzon." Kohanim and Leviim also say it. 4. On the 13th of Nisan we say from "Zos Chanukat hamizbeiach" until "ken osah et hamenorah" (in the beginning of parshat "Behaloscho"). This corresponds to the tribe of Levi.

 

5. There is no fasting during the month of Nisan, except for the firstborn who do fast on Erev Pesach and a bridegroom and bride who do fast on the day of their wedding but not on "Isru Chag" (the day after Pesach).

 

3. B’rakhah on the Trees

 

1. In the days of Nisan, when one sees trees in bloom, one should say the following B’rakhah:

 

Blessed are You, L-rd, King of the universe, who has caused nothing to be lacking in His universe, and has created in it goodly creatures and goodly trees wherewith to bring delight to mankind.

 

2. This B’rakhah is only said when one first sees the blossoming each year, and it is said only on seeing fruit-trees in bloom.

 

4. Shabbat HaGadol

 

1. The Shabbat before Pesach is called Shabbat HaGadol ("the Great Shabbat") because a great miracle happened on that Shabbat. The Jews in Egypt were commanded to sacrifice the "Korban Pesach." On the tenth of Nisan, which was then Shabbat, they took the lamb they were going to use for a sacrifice. When the Egyptian first- born saw this, they asked the Jews why they were doing so. The Jews answered: "This is a 'Korban Pesach' for HaShem who is going to kill the Egyptian firstborn." The firstborn went to their parents and Pharaoh, and begged them to release the Jews in Egypt. When they refused, the firstborn fought a war with them, and killed many of them. This is the meaning of the verse: "Who struck Egypt through its firstborn ..." i.e., HaShem struck the Egyptian through their own firstborn. This Shabbat was therefore designated as remembrance of this miracle, and is called "Shabbat HaGadol."

 

2. When "Shabbat HaGadol" is on Erev Pesach the "Haftorah" read is "V'orvoh." But if "Shabbat HaGadol" falls on one of the previous days, we read the "Haftorah" of that week's Torah portion.

 

3. On "Shabbat HaGadol" (if it is not the day before Pesach), it is customary for the Hakham to teach his community the laws of Pesach, showing them the ways of HaShem and instructing them what they should do.

 

4. At "Mincha" on "Shabbat HaGadol" we recite in the Haggadah from "avodim hoyinu" until "lechaper al kol avonoseinu," because the redemption and miracles began on that Shabbat.

 

5. Mo'os Chittim (Money for Matzoths) and the Matza Campaign

 

1. It is a Jewish custom that every Jew should contribute money for "mo'os chittim." This money is distributed to the poor so that they can buy matzoth for Pesach.

 

2. The Lubavitcher Rebbe Shlita instituted that before Pesach we should endeavor to send round, hand-baked "sh'murah matzoth" to our acquaintances to be used on Pesach (at least for the "Sedorim"). Likewise, wherever communal "sedorim" are organized (at hotels, etc.) the organizers should ensure that the matzoth used are of this type.

 

6. Prohibition of Chametz

 

1. Chametz includes grains or flour of the Five Species of Grain (wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt) that have become leavened, i.e., they have come in contact with water and remained at least 18 minutes without any kneading or agitation whatsoever.

 

2. Throughout the eight days of Pesach, we are prohibited from eating or deriving any benefit from chametz. Nor may chametz be found or seen in the home of a Jew. This is true even if it has been mixed with something else. Therefore, any product containing the slightest amount of chametz of any derivative of these Five Species is considered chametz.

 

3. A Jew who owns any chametz during Pesach is at every moment transgressing the Torah prohibition against chametz being in one's possession. When chametz is owned by a Jew during Pesach, it is forbidden to derive any benefit from it forever, even if one nullified it before Pesach.

 

4. The Torah commands us to destroy all chametz in our possession on the day before Pesach. Our sages added the obligation to search our possessions for chametz the night before Pesach and burn whatever we have found on the following day.

 

5. If we have a large amount of chametz, we may sell it to a Gentile before Pesach, as long as it is still within the time that we may derive benefit from it.

 

6. It is forbidden to use any utensils, ovens or stoves, that were used during the year with chametz, since the chametz has become absorbed. The custom is to use special equipment on Pesach. However, someone who cannot obtain special utensils can consult a competent Hakham concerning the methods of purging the chametz and rendering the utensils fit for Pesach use.

 

Bedikat Chametz (Searching for Chametz)

 

1. We must search for chametz on the night of Erev Pesach immediately after nightfall.

 

2. Beginning one-half hour before nightfall, one should not begin a meal or any work that will take some time, in case one will miss the time assigned to the beginning of the search.

 

3. The community should pray "Ma’ariv" as soon as it is night, and then immediately begin the search for chametz.

 

4. If a person is always accustomed to pray with a "minyan," and this time he does not do so, he should first pray and then search for chametz. However, if he is always accustomed to pray alone, he should first search for the chametz.

 

5. Before the search one should clean all the rooms well, so that one can search them properly. One should also clean under the beds in case some chametz was misplaced there. It is customary to sweep the house by 13 Nisan to enable the search to begin promptly at the nightfall of 14 Nisan.

 

6. Before the search, we should conceal the chametz that we wish to eat later. This is to prevent small children or mice from taking the chametz into the places and rooms which have already been searched.

 

7. Before the search, we take 10 pieces of hard chametz, and place them in different places in the house. Each piece should be wrapped in paper to ensure that it will not crumble.

 

8. We use a wax candle and a feather for the search. We put any chametz found in the search in a paper bag, and also to dig crumbs out from cracks, etc.

 

9. Before the search, the head of the house recites the following "B’rakhah":

 

Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning the removal of chametz.

 

The members of the household should gather to hear the "B’rakhah," with the intention that the "B’rakhah" should cover them as well; they then go and search their assigned places.

 

10. We may not talk between the "B’rakhah" and the beginning of the search, even about things that concern the search. We may not talk about things that do not concern the search during the entire search.

 

11. Immediately after the "B’rakhah" we should search the room closest to the place where the blessing was heard.

 

12. The search must be conducted by the light of a candle.

 

13. We must search for chametz in all rooms, including the attic and the basement, and everywhere chametz may have been brought in during the year.

 

14. We must search for chametz in the holes and cracks, in hidden places and in the corners.

 

15. We need to search in the holes only as far as the hand reaches; it will suffice to "m'vattel" [to make null and void. In relation to chametz it means to render the chametz ownerless, thus avoiding the prohibition against owning chametz on Pesach] that which is further in.

 

16. After completing the search, we put the bag, feather and the remains of the candle (if any), in a wooden spoon. We wrap them all up in a paper, and tie the paper tightly with string, with the handle of the spoon protruding.

 

17. Soon after the search one must perform the ceremony of "bittul"--the nullification of the hidden chametz (which might be located somewhere in one's possession), and say the first "kol chamirah" (the passage that forms the first stage in the process of "bittul").

 

"All leaven or anything leavened which is in my possession, which I have neither seen or removed, and about which I am unaware, shall be considered nothing and ownerless as the dust of the earth."

 

18. One who does not understand the Aramaic should say "kol chamirah" in any language one understands. However, if one knows that the intention of "kol chamirah" is to "m'vattel" the chametz, one must say it in the original although one does not understand the Aramaic.

 

19. The main idea behind the "bittul" is that one decides with all one's heart that the chametz in one's possession should be "bottel", i.e., belong to no one, as the dust of the earth.

 

20. After the search we must be very careful that the chametz kept for burning, as well as the chametz left for eating, should not be carried around. This is to ensure that it will not crumble. We must also be careful that it should not be carried or dragged away by small children (or mice!).

 

21. People leaving their home before Pesach must search for Chametz the night before their departure without saying a "B’rakhah."

 

22. Synagogues should be inspected on the night of the 14th of Nisan by the light of a candle because children bring chametz there all year round.

 

23. In the fifth hour ("zemanis") of erev Pesach when we may no longer eat chametz, we must burn the chametz and at the same time say the second "kol chamirah."       

 

"All leaven or anything leavened which is in my possession, which I have seen it or not, whether I have observed it or not whether I have removed it or not shall be considered nothing and ownerless as the dust of the earth."

 

8. Chametz During Pesach

 

1. If one finds chametz in the house during the days of "Chol HaMoed Pesach" one should remove it from the house and burn it. If the chametz is the size of a "kezayis" (lit. "like an olive", a measurement of volume; a "kezayis" of matza is one ounce), the "B’rakhah" "al biur chametz" is recited at the burning.

 

2. However, if chametz is found during the days of Yom Tov, or on "Shabbat Chol-HaMoed," when it may not be moved from its place (for it is "muktzeh"), one covers it with a vessel until nightfall (of "Motzie Shabbat" or Yom Tov), and then burns it.

 

3. If one finds chametz on the last days of Yom Tov, one burns it on "Motzie Yom Tov" without a "B’rakhah", even if it is the size of a "kezayis."

 

4. Pesach does not end until after nightfall of the 8th day. All the laws of Pesach are binding until that time. Therefore, absolute care should be taken **not** to buy bread or any articles of chametz until the holiday is entirely over. One should be careful **not** to buy bread or any other chametz even after Pesach, that was baked or prepared during Pesach, because it is forbidden to use any chametz that was owned by a Jew during Pesach **even after** Pesach.

 

Mechiras Chametz (Selling The Chametz)

 

1. It is prohibited to possess chametz on Pesach and one is not allowed to derive any benefit from such chametz. Also, chametz which was in the possession of a Jew on Pesach may not be used even after the Yom Tov. Therefore, any chametz which cannot be eaten or disposed of before Pesach must be sold to a Gentile.

 

2. Since the Rabbi must sell the chametz on Erev Pesach before the end of the fifth hour ("zemanis") which is one "sho'oh zemanis" (lit. "time hour"; the day, beginning at sunrise and ending at sunset, is divided into 12 equal "hours," each of which is called an "hour zemanis", as opposed to a clock hour which equals 60 minutes. E.g., if the daytime is 15 hours, each "hour zemanis" is one and one quarter clock hours) before midday, one should make sure that the transfer of the chametz to the Hakham takes place well before this time.

 

Taanit Bechorim (Fast of the Firstborn)

 

1. When HaShem killed the firstborn of Egypt, He spared the first- born of Jews. Therefore, all male firstborn Jews fast on the day before Pesach in gratitude to HaShem.

 

2. It has, however, been a custom for many centuries that the fast is broken by a "seudat mitzva ," such as the meal at a "siyum." One may then eat for the rest of the day.

 

3. If one is not a firstborn, but has a firstborn son under 13, one should fast or partake in a "siyum."

 

(The "siyum" takes place in the synagogue directly after "shacharit").

 

Matzot’s Mitzva

 

1. The matzot with which we fulfill the mitzva of eating matza on the "seder" nights are called "matzot mitzva." It is customary to bake them "erev Pesach" after midday, for the Pesach sacrifice was offered at that time. 2. The foregoing is the best way to fulfill the mitzva. If, however, we cannot bake them after midday, we can also fulfill the mitzva of eating matza with the "matzot mitzva" baked earlier.

 

3. Those who knead and roll the dough for the matzot on the afternoon of "erev Pesach" (which is in the time when "chametz" is forbidden) should say: "I hereby declare any pieces that fall during kneading and preparation of the matzot, and any dough that sticks to the utensils, to be ownerless and nullified."

 

4. While kneading and rolling the dough on "erev Pesach," it is customary to say "Hallel" in memory of the "Korban Pesach," which was slaughtered while saying "Hallel."

 

5. The Rebbe Rashab used to be present at the matza bakery on "erev Pesach," and recited "Hallel." He used to interrupt his recital--even in the middle of a chapter--to give instructions concerning the kneading, baking, etc.

 

6. The custom in Lubavitch was that after burning the "chametz," the people went to "mikveh," dressed in their "Yom-Tov" clothes, and went to bake the "matzot mitzva."

 

When Erev Pesach Falls On Shabbat

 

1. When "erev Pesach" falls on Shabbat, we search for "chametz" on Thursday evening, the eve of 13 Nisan, with the blessing. After searching, we nullify the "chametz" and say the first "Kol Chamirah."

 

2. On Friday morning, one should burn the "chametz" at the same time that one burns it every year on "erev Pesach," but without saying the second "Kol Chamirah" waiting until Shabbat morning after one finishes the morning meal (before the time it becomes forbidden to derive benefit from the "chametz"). Even if one has no "chametz" left after the Shabbat morning meal, one should nevertheless nullify it again during the fifth daylight "zemanis" hour as one would nullify it every year, and say the second "Kol Chamirah."

 

3. The firstborn sons fast on the previous Thursday.

 

4. For Shabbat, one should leave only enough "chametz" to suffice for the evening and morning Shabbat meals (taking care to leave it in a secure place). One fulfills the obligation of eating a third Shabbat meal with meat, fish or fruit.

 

5. One should not cook any foods containing "chametz" for this Shabbat, for they often stick to the pot and one is not allowed to wash the pot on Shabbat) since it is not being washed for use on *this* Shabbat). If one transgressed and did cook foods containing "chametz" and they stuck to the pot, one may in that case wash the pot because this is for the purpose of a mitzva , to remove the "chametz" from the pot in order to destroy it. 6. After the Shabbat morning meal, one should shake the tablecloth on which one has eaten, and wipe the utensils used for "chametz" well with his hands so that no detectable "chametz" will be on them, and he should hide the tablecloth and the utensils in a room (or closet) which will not be used on Pesach. All remaining "chametz" should be thrown into the toilet. One should take care not to throw any "chametz" out of the house in a place where there is no "eruv."

 

7. On this Shabbat, one prays "shacharit" early. The "chazzan" should be warned not to prolong the prayers, so that no one will eat "chametz" when it is forbidden. (The "Haftorah" of this Shabbat is "V'orvoh.")

 

8. It is forbidden to prepare on Shabbat for "Yom-Tov." Therefore, one may not take out the matzot, wine and Pesach utensils or prepare the table for the "seder" until after nightfall.

 

Seed Foods, Dried Fruits, Mixtures Containing Chametz

 

1. On Pesach, Ashkenazim do not eat rice, millet, corn (maize), buckwheat ("kashe"), beans, peas, sesame seeds, mustard peanuts, and other types of seed foods. Sephardim do not have this obligation.

 

2. We also do not eat dried figs on Pesach, because flour may be used on the drying process, nor raisins and other dried fruits because they are often dried in the same place as figs. However, when they have been dried by a Jew known to have been careful, we may eat them.

 

3. It is customary not to eat cloves, saffron, cassia, ginger or cinnamon for the same reason, even if the spices grew in one's own garden, because of "mar'is ayin" [others unaware that one's spices are free of "chametz" may unjustly suspect one of wrongdoing].

 

4. Some are accustomed not to eat radishes or garlic on Pesach.

 

5. It is a custom not to drink any liquor or liqueurs on Pesach, even if they were specially produced for Pesach.

 

6. Those who use sugar on Pesach are accustomed to boil it with water and strain it before Pesach. However, some meticulous Jews refrain from eating sugar altogether during Pesach.

 

7. It is customary not to use the pot in which eggs have been boiled in their shells; however, it may be used for boiling eggs again.

 

8. If "chametz" becomes mixed with any food before Pesach, it is considered nonexistent if the "chametz" is a sixtieth or less than the rest of the food. However, if "chametz" becomes mixed with food during Pesach, from the sunset before 15 Nisan until night- fall following the last day of Pesach, then even the slightest trace of "chametz" renders the mixture prohibited and no benefit may be derived from it.

 

Eruv Tavshillin

 

1. Our Sages decreed that when "Yom-Tov" falls on Friday, we should not cook on "Yom-Tov" for Shabbat (for we may not prepare anything on "Yom-Tov" for the sake of Shabbat)--except when we have "placed" an "eruv Tavshillin" on "erev Yom-Tov." The "eruv Tavshillin" shows that we have already begun to cook for Shabbat on "erev Yom-Tov," and the cooking on "Yom-Tov" only means that we are finishing the cooking of "erev Yom-Tov."

 

2. The mitzva of "placing" an "eruv Tavshillin" is performed in this way:

 

We take an amount of matza equivalent to the weight of an egg, and a cooked dish weighing a "kezayis" (note that we should take a "prize" dish, such as meat or fish). Holding the "eruv" (the matza with the cooked dish), we recite the following "B’rakhah":

 

 Blessed are You, HaShem our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the Mitzva of "Eruv."

 

Then say:

 

Through this it shall be permissible for us to bake, to cook, to put away (a dish to preserve its heat), to kindle a light and to prepare and do on the Festival all that is necessary for Shabbat--for us and all Israelites who dwell in the city.

             

The "eruv" must remain intact until we have finished all the cooking and baking for Shabbat.

 

3. One who wishes to give others a share in one's "eruv" places the "eruv" (i.e., the matza and cooked dish) into the hand of another Jew, through whom one gives others a share, and one says:

 

I hereby grant a share in this "eruv" to anyone who wishes to participate in it and to depend upon it.

 

The one who is granted a share takes the "eruv" in his hand and raises it one fist breadth. The one making the "eruv" takes it back and says the blessing and statement:

 

 Blessed are You, HaShem our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the Mitzva of "Eruv."

 

Then say:

 

Through this it shall be permissible for us to bake, to cook, to put away (a dish to preserve its heat), to kindle a light and to prepare and do on the Festival all that is necessary for Shabbat--for us and all Israelites who dwell in the city.

 

4. It is customary to use a whole matza for the "eruv," and to use it to make the "Hamotzi" blessing at one of the Shabbat meals (since something used for one mitzva should be used for another mitzva ). Some are accustomed to use the matza for "Lechem mishneh" (literally: "double bread"--the two loaves of matza (or challah) over which "Hamotzi" is said on Shabbat and "Yom-Tov") at the first two Shabbat meals and to recite the blessing "Hamotzi" over it at "shalosh seudat" (the third meal of Shabbat).        

5. If one forgot to make an "eruv" on "erev Yom-Tov" one can still make it "beyn hashmoshes" (time period between sunset and nightfall).

 

6. If "Yom-Tov" fell on Thursday and Friday, and one reminded himself on Thursday that he had not yet made an "eruv," he may still make a "conditional eruv." In other words, after saying the blessing "concerning the mitzva of eruv," he says: "If today is Yom-Tov" (according to the Torah itself), "then tomorrow is a weekday and I do not need an eruv at all. And if today is a weekday and tomorrow is Yom-Tov, then through this it shall be permitted for us to bake, cook ..." continuing as above (paragraph 2).

 

7. If one forgot even then to make the "eruv," he should consult a rabbi.

 

8. Permission to cook on "Yom-Tov" for Shabbat through making an "eruv" is conditional. All the foods cooked for Shabbat should be ready to eat early enough before Shabbat so that if a guest were to come late in the afternoon he would have enough time to eat of these foods before sunset. If the foods are ready only close to sunset, the "eruv" is of absolutely no use.

 

9. The "cholent" which is prepared on "Yom-Tov" for Shabbat must also be cooked while it is still day.

 

Lighting Shabbat And Yom-Tov Candles

 

1. Our Sages instituted that on Shabbat and Yom-Tov a light should burn in any room we use, for the purpose of "shalom bait" (domestic peace), to prevent anyone from tripping in the darkness. The main obligation of lighting the candles is in the dining room.

 

2. We are obliged to eat the Shabbat evening meal by the light of the candles, because we are commanded to enjoy the Shabbat.

 

3. The obligation of lighting Shabbat candles rests (primarily) upon the wife. It is praiseworthy for the husband to assist his wife by preparing the wicks and candles, lighting and extinguishing the candles in order to singe the wicks before she lights them, for the purpose of the mitzva, so that the wicks will burn more easily. 4. The custom is that unmarried girls light one candle and married women two candles. Some women have the custom of adding an extra candle for each of their children, in order to illuminate their children's life.

 

5. A young girl aged three years old who understands the concept of lighting the Shabbat candles should be taught to fulfill this mitzva of lighting Shabbat and Yom-Tov candles.

 

6. Two women should not light candles on the same candlestick, even if it has many branches, because only one would be allowed to say the required blessing in this case.

 

7. It is a good custom to give one or several coins to charity before lighting the candles. One should admonish women not to move the charity box after lighting.

 

8. Immediately after lighting, she should place her hands in front of the candles, or spread her hands over her face, so as not to see the light, and she should say the blessing for lighting the candles. After the blessing, she should remove her hands and enjoy from the light. All this applies both on Shabbat and Yom-Tov.

 

9. On Friday afternoon, the time of candle lighting is at least 18 minutes before sunset.

 

10. On "erev Yom-Tov," too, our custom is to light candles before sunset. But when "Yom-Tov" falls on Saturday night, one should light candles only after the stars can be seen.

 

11. On the second evening of "Yom-Tov," whether it falls on Saturday night or on any other day of the week, one should light candles only after the stars have come out. If the second evening of "Yom-Tov" falls on Friday night, one must light candles before sunset like every other Friday afternoon.

 

12. Before Shabbat, the blessing for candles concludes "to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat"; on "Yom-Tov," "to kindle the Yom- Tov light"; when "Yom-Tov" falls on Shabbat, "to kindle the Shabbat and Yom-Tov light" (see "Siddur Tehilas HaShem," p. 127).

 

13. On every "Yom-Tov" *except the last two days of Pesach,* one follows the blessing for lighting the candles with the blessing of "Shehecheyanu." The woman who lights candles should then take care not to repeat "Shehecheyanu" if she herself says Kiddush later that evening. When a man lights the candles, he should not say "Shehecheyanu."

 

14. It is advisable to place the matzot (and the same applies all year round to the challot) upon the table before lighting the Shabbat candles so that the table will be a "base" to both the candles and the matzot, thus enabling one to be permitted to move the table on Shabbat.

 

15. One may not produce a *new* fire on "Yom-Tov," by striking a match or lighter, for example. One may only light from a fire already burning from before "Yom-Tov," such as a lighted candle, gas-stove or pilot-light.

 

16. If one uses a match to bring fire (from an existing flame to the "Yom-Tov" candles, etc.), one should be careful not to extinguish the burning match or throw it anywhere after using it. One should carefully put it down so that the movement will not extinguish it, and it can die on its own.

 

17. On "Yom-Tov," it is forbidden to heat the bottom of the candle in order to stick it onto the candlestick. If the candle-holder is full of wax, one may clean it with some object which is not "muktzeh" (articles that may not handled on Shabbat or Yom-Tov). The wax should not be moved once it has been removed, since it is "muktzeh."

 

18. A woman should light the candles with joy and eagerness, because in the merit of this mitzva she will be rewarded with holy children who will shine brightly with Torah knowledge and fear of HaShem and will increase peace in the world, and she will bring her husband long life.

 

17. Hallel In The Prayers

 

1. It is customary on the first two nights of Pesach for the congregation to say the entire "Hallel" in "Ma’ariv."

 

2. We also say the entire "Hallel" in "shacharit" on the first two days of "Yom-Tov."

 

3. However, on "Chol-HaMoed" and the last two days of Pesach we say only half-"Hallel" in "shacharit."

 

4. When the entire "Hallel" is said, each person says the "B’rakhah" before "Hallel," and the "B’rakhah" at the conclusion of "Hallel" ("Baruch atah HaShem Melech m'hullol batishbochos"). When, however, we recite half-"Hallel," only the "chazzan" says the "B’rakhah," and the congregants answer "amen." They fulfill their obligation with the "chazzan's B’rakhah" (and the congregation concludes "Hallel" with the words "umeolom ad olam atah e'l").

 

5. When praying alone, it is customary to recite the "B’rakhah" even when one says only half-"Hallel."

 

6. The "chazzan" says aloud the "pasuk" "Hodu laShem ... ki l'olam chasdo," and the congregants repeat that "posuk," and say further "yomar noh ... l'olam chasdo." The "chazzan" then says "yomar noh, etc." aloud, and the congregants say "Hodu etc.," "yomru noh bait Aharon, etc." The same applies to "yomru noh yirei HaShem, etc."

 

7. The verse "Hodu LaShem" is said after each of the three verses "yomar noh," even when one prays alone. 8. "Hallel" should be said standing. One may not talk during "hallel."

 

18. Morid Hatol (He Causes The Dew To Descend)

 

1. On the first day of Pesach, before the "mussaf" prayer the "Shamash" announces "morid hatol" and we begin saying "morid hatol" in "mussaf."

 

2. We say the Prayer for Dew in the "chazzan's" repetition of the "mussaf" of the first day of Pesach.

 

3. If one mistakenly said "morid hageshem" (He causes the rain to fall"), and became aware of one's error before saying G-d's Name at the conclusion of the blessing "mechayeh hametim," one should return to "ata gibor" (and it does not help to say "morid hatol" at the place where one remembered).

 

4. If one only became aware of the error after concluding the blessing "mechayeh hamesim," one must return to the beginning of "shemoneh esreh."

 

5. If one only became aware of the error after concluding the entire prayer, one should repeat the entire "shemoneh esreh." If one remembered only at the time of the next prayer, one should pray two "shemoneh esrehs" at that time (as explained in the laws of making up omitted prayers).

 

6. If one is unsure whether one said "morid hageshem," or "morid hatol" as required, it depends what time of the year this happened. If this happened during the first thirty days of "morid hatol" one must repeat "shemoneh esreh." After these thirty days have passed, however, one need not repeat it, for we assume that one has said "morid hatol" correctly since one is already accustomed to saying it.

 

Sefirat HaOmer

 

1. From the second night of Pesach onward, after "Ma’ariv" (i.e., after "Hallel" and before "aleinu"), we begin to count "sefirah"; and we count each night until Shavuot.

 

2. We say the "B’rakhah" and the "sefirah" standing.

 

3. If one forgot to count the "sefirah" on one of the nights, one should count it during the following day without a "B’rakhah"; one may then resume the count on the following nights with a "B’rakhah."

 

4. But if one forgot to count during the following day as well, he must count on all the following nights until Shavuot without a "B’rakhah."

 

5. If one is unsure if he counted or not, he may count the following nights with a "B’rakhah."

 

6. When, after sunset, one is asked: "What is the 'sefirah' today?" he should answer: "Yesterday was such and such." The other person will then understand what today's "sefirah" is. The reason for answering this way is because if one answers, "Today is such and such," he has fulfilled his obligation of counting the "sefirah" and thus forfeits the opportunity to recite the "B’rakhah."

 

7. Those who "daven Ma’ariv" when it is still day, but say "Shema" after the stars appear, should also count "sefirah" then. Those who "daven Ma’ariv" and count "sefirah" when it is still day should arrange that they count again during "shacharit" of the following morning without a "B’rakhah."

 

V'Sein B’rakhah (And Give Blessing)

 

1. During the entire summer, beginning from Pesach, we do not say "v'sein tal u'motor" (give dew and rain) in the blessing "bareich aleinu" of the weekday "Shemoneh Esrei," but instead we say "v'sein Berachoth."

 

2. If one said "v'sein tal u'motor" in summer, and immediately became aware of his error, he must begin again from "boreich oleinu." (It does not help to immediately say "v'sein B’rakhah.")

 

3. It makes no difference whether he realized his mistake immediately after he made it, or whether he is already much further on the "Shemoneh Esrei." If he has not yet said the second "yihyu l'rotzon" (after "elokai netzor"), he must return to "boreich oleinu."

 

4. If one realized his mistake after finishing the entire "Shemoneh Esrei," he must repeat the entire "Shemoneh Esrei."

 

5. If he realized his mistake only after praying, when it is already time to say the next prayers, he must say two "Shemoneh Esrei" at the next prayer.

 

6. If he is unsure whether he said "v'sein B’rakhah," the law is the same as for "Morid Hatol", [If one is unsure whether one said "morid hageshem," or "morid hatol" as required, it depends what time of the year this happened. If this happened during the first thirty days of "morid hatol" one must repeat "Shemoneh Esrei." After these thirty days have passed, however, one need not repeat it, for we assume that one has said "morid hatol" correctly since one is already accustomed to saying it.]

 

Ya'aleh V'Yovo In The Chol-Hamoed Prayers

 

1. If one forgets to say "ya'aleh v'yovo" in "Shemoneh Esrei" during "Chol Hamoed"--or is unsure whether he said it--and remembers before saying G-d's Name in the blessing "hamachazir shechinoso l'tzion," he should say "ya'aleh v'yovo" there, and then begin from "v'sechezenoh."

 

2. If one remembers after concluding the blessing "hamachazir shechinoso l'tzion," but before saying "modim," he should say "ya'aleh v'yovo" there, and then begin saying "modim" (and he should not repeat "v'sechezenoh").

 

3. If, however, he had already begun "modim," he should return to "r'tzeh."

 

4. If he remembered only after he finished "Shemoneh Esrei", i.e., after having said the second "yihyu l'rotzon", he must return to the beginning of "Shemoneh Esrei."

 

5. These laws apply equally to all three prayers on "Chol Hamoed: shacharit, Mincha and ma'ariv."

 

6. If he remembers that he did not say "ya'aleh v'yovo" when it is already time to say the next prayer, he should say two "Shemoneh Esrei" at the next prayer. This, however, applies only to the "Mincha" and "ma'ariv" prayers.

 

7. The law is different when one forgets to say "ya'aleh v'yovo" at "shacharit," and remembers only after he has said "musaf." In such a case, he need not repeat the "Shemoneh Esrei" of "shacharit."

 

Ya'aleh V'yovo In Birchat HaMazon (Blessing After The Meal) on Yom-Tov and Chol Hamoed

 

1. If one forgets to say "ya'aleh v'yovo" in "birchat HaMazon" on "Yom-Tov," and remembers after finishing "boneh b'rachamov Yerushalayim amen," one should say the blessing of "Boruch ... asher nosan yomim tovim ...", as written in the Siddur. If it is "Chol Hamoed," one should say the "B’rakhah" "Boruch ... asher nosan moadim ..."

 

2. If, however, one remembers after saying the word "Boruch" of the "B’rakhah hatov v'hametiv," he must, at the first two meals of "Yom-Tov," repeat "birchat HaMazon."

 

3. However, if one eats a third "Yom-Tov" meal, he should not repeat it. The same applies to every "Chol Hamoed" meal.

 

The First Ma'ariv of Chol Hamoed

 

In the first weekday "Shemoneh Esrei" (in "ma'ariv") of "Chol HaMoed," the following things must be said:

 

1. "morid hatol" 2. "atoh chonantonu" 3. "v'sein B’rakhah" 4. "ya'aleh v'yovo"        If one forgets one of these four things, and remembers after concluding "Shemoneh Esrei," which omissions force him to repeat the "Shemoneh Esrei," and which do not?

 

 ANSWERS

 

If one said "morid hageshem," he must repeat it. If one forgot "atoh chonantonu," he should not repeat it. If one said "v'sein tal umotor," he must repeat it. If one forgot "ya'aleh v'yovo," he must repeat it.

 

The Meal Of The Second Day of Pesach

 

[There is no need to repeat the "Shemoneh Esrei" as long as one does not do any work or taste any food before making "havdallah." **Work** is permitted in this case. However, by saying "Boruch Hamavdil bain kodesh lechol"--"Blessed is He Who makes a distinction between sacred and profane." In all cases, one may not eat or drink until after "havdallah." If one did not say "Boruch Hamavdil" and performed work, the "Shemoneh Esrei" must be repeated.]

 

At the meal of the second day of Pesach, it is proper to "do" (eat) something that serves as a reminder of the meal of Queen Esther which took place on this day--and that same day Haman was hung.

 

The Seventh And Eighth Days of Pesach

 

1. In the kiddush (and in the "b'rochoh"on lighting the candles) said on the seventh and eighth nights of Pesach, we do not say "Shehecheyanu."

 

2. The miracle of the splitting of the "Yam-Soof" happened on the night of the seventh of Pesach. Early the next morning the Jews sang the song "Oz Yoshir." Therefore we read this song in the Torah on the seventh day of Pesach."

 

3. It is customary in Lubavitch to remain awake the entire night of the seventh of Pesach, and to learn the Torah the entire night.

 

4. The Rebbe Shlita instituted that on the seventh day of Pesach we should go to distant Shuls to participate with other Jews in the Yom Tov joy, discussing with them ideas of Chassidus and matters of inspiration in the service of G-d.

 

5. Despite our custom to avoid eating Matza that is wet (shruya) during Pesach, we are accustomed to make a point of eating wet Matza on the eighth day of Pesach. When washing one's fingers at the end of a meal ("mayim acharonim"), he passes the wet fingers over his lips once again.

 

6. The Baal Shem Tov was accustomed to eat a third meal on the last day of Pesach, which he would call the "Mashiach’s Seudah--the meal of Mashiach" for on this day the "radiance" of Mashiach is manifest.

 

7. It is also our custom to celebrate Mashiach’s Seudah, after "Mincha." At this meal, we drink four cups of wine, corresponding to the "four cups of comfort which HaShem will in the future give the Jewish people to drink."

 

____________________________________ From "Laws And Customs of Pesach: According to the Traditions of Chabad" by Rabbi Shmuel Hurwitz, Second Edition, 5749.

 

 

XI. Elijah and Passover

 

The Haggadah opens with the words:

 

“Let all who are hungry come and eat.”

 

Among the awaited guests is the prophet Elijah who, according to the scripture, never died, but was carried up to heaven in a whirlwind. The life of no other character in the bible is so surrounded with a halo of mystery and wonder as is that of Elijah. He is the champion of the oppressed, he brings hope, cheer and relief to the downtrodden; and he performs miracles of rescue and deliverance.

 

The Prophet Malachi says of him: “He will turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents.” Elijah is the harbinger of good tidings of joy and peace. His name is especially associated with the coming of the Messiah, whose advent he is expected to announce.

 

A part of the Passover seder has always been to set a place for Elijah and to open a door to look for him during the feast. We look for Elijah just before we take the fourth cup to symbolize that Elijah is expected just before God comes to take His people for Himself.

 

Those who recognize that Yeshua, the Anointed One, came nearly two thousand years ago, should also recognize "Elijah" who came to prepare the way according to the prophecy in:

 

Malachi 4:5 "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of HaShem comes.

 

Yeshua named Yochanan (John) the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come in Matityahu (Matthew) 11:7-15.

 

It was a biblical custom to begin your occupation on your thirtieth birthday. Yochanan (John) and Yeshua both followed this custom. If we look carefully at the Nazarean Codicil we can see that Yochanan (John) the Baptist was born on Passover and began his ministry on Passover. Since we are expecting Elijah at Passover we can understand why Yochanan (John) came on that day.

 

Yochanan (John) the Baptist sent some disciples to Yeshua to find out if He was the "Expected One" who would resurrect God's people and free them from bondage. Yeshua's answer indicated that He would be the expected one later. God's people are now looking for Yeshua to return. Before Yeshua returns, we should look for Elijah to come at Passover. When we see Elijah we are probably only six months from beholding Yeshua.

 

XII. The second Passover

 

Bamidbar (Numbers) 9:1-14 HaShem spoke to Moses in the Desert of Sinai in the first month of the second year after they came out of Egypt. He said, "Have the Israelites celebrate the Passover at the appointed time. Celebrate it at the appointed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month, in accordance with all its rules and regulations." So Moses told the Israelites to celebrate the Passover, And they did so in the Desert of Sinai at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. The Israelites did everything just as HaShem commanded Moses. But some of them could not celebrate the Passover on that day because they were ceremonially unclean on account of a dead body. So they came to Moses and Aaron that same day And said to Moses, "We have become unclean because of a dead body, but why should we be kept from presenting HaShem’s offering with the other Israelites at the appointed time?" Moses answered them, "Wait until I find out what HaShem commands concerning you." Then HaShem said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites: 'When any of you or your descendants are unclean because of a dead body or are away on a journey, they may still celebrate HaShem’s Passover. They are to celebrate it on the fourteenth day of the second month at twilight. They are to eat the lamb, together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. They must not leave any of it till morning or break any of its bones. When they celebrate the Passover, they must follow all the regulations. But if a man who is ceremonially clean and not on a journey fails to celebrate the Passover, that person must be cut off from his people because he did not present HaShem’s offering at the appointed time. That man will bear the consequences of his sin. "'An alien living among you who wants to celebrate HaShem’s Passover must do so in accordance with its rules and regulations. You must have the same regulations for the alien and the native-born.'"

 

Bamidbar (Numbers) 28:16-17 "'On the fourteenth day of the first month HaShem’s Passover is to be held. On the fifteenth day of this month there is to be a festival; for seven days eat bread made without yeast.

 

This passage might account for why Yeshua began His Passover seder on the fourteenth.

 

 

Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:1-7 Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover of HaShem your God, because in the month of Abib he brought you out of Egypt by night. Sacrifice as the Passover to HaShem your God an animal from your flock or herd at the place HaShem will choose as a dwelling for his Name. Do not eat it with bread made with yeast, but for seven days eat unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left Egypt in haste--so that all the days of your life you may remember the time of your departure from Egypt. Let no yeast be found in your possession in all your land for seven days. Do not let any of the meat you sacrifice on the evening of the first day remain until morning. You must not sacrifice the Passover in any town HaShem your God gives you Except in the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name. There you must sacrifice the Passover in the evening, when the sun goes down, on the anniversary of your departure from Egypt. Roast it and eat it at the place HaShem your God will choose. Then in the morning return to your tents.

 

XIII. Passover symbols

 

Passover is intimately associated with tefillin as we can see from the following pasuk:

 

Shemot (Exodus) 13:5-9 And it shall be when HaShem shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month. 6 Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to HaShem. 7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.

8 And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which HaShem did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt. 9 And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that HaShem’s law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath HaShem brought thee out of Egypt.

 

I Corinthians 5:7 Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast--as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

 

Yahoshua (Joshua) 4:19-24 On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. And Yahoshua (Joshua) set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. He said to the Israelites, "In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, 'What do these stones mean?' Tell them, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' For HaShem your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. HaShem your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of HaShem is powerful and so that you might always fear HaShem your God."

 

Yahoshua (Joshua) 5:1-15 Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how HaShem had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until we had crossed over, their hearts melted and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites. At that time HaShem said to Yahoshua (Joshua), "Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again." So Yahoshua (Joshua) made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt--all the men of military age--died in the desert on the way after leaving Egypt. All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the desert during the journey from Egypt had not. The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed HaShem. For HaShem had sworn to them that they would not see the land that he had solemnly promised their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Yahoshua (Joshua) circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. Then HaShem said to Yahoshua (Joshua), "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." So the place has been called Gilgal to this day. On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan. Now when Yahoshua (Joshua) was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Yahoshua (Joshua) went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of HaShem I have now come." Then Yahoshua (Joshua) fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?" The commander of HaShem’s army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Yahoshua (Joshua) did so.

 

Yochanan (John) 6:25-71 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" Yeshua answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Yeshua answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Yeshua said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." "Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread." Then Yeshua declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." They said, "Is this not Yeshua, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, 'I came down from heaven'?" "Stop grumbling among yourselves," Yeshua answered. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Yeshua said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever." He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Yeshua said to them, "Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Yeshua had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Yeshua asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." Then Yeshua replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

 

Devarim (Deuteronomy) 8:1-3 Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that HaShem promised on oath to your forefathers. Remember how HaShem your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of HaShem.

 

 The Passover Covenant

 

Shemot (Exodus) 6:6-7 "Therefore, say to the Israelites:

Cup #1 (The cup of blessing or sanctification):

 

I am HaShem, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.

Cup #2 (The cup of deliverance):

 

I will free you from being slaves to them, and

Cup #3 (The cup of Redemption):

 

I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.

Cup #4 (The cup of completion or glorification):

 

I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am HaShem your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.

 

 

FULFILLMENT

 

Cup number one (1) is found in:

 

I Corinthians 10:16 Is not the cup of blessing for which we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?

 

Notice that this is NOT the third (3) cup that Mashiach said was the new covenant in His blood (Luqas (Luke) 22:20). This is plainly the first cup known as the cup of blessing.

 

It is also note worthy that the only piece of matza that was specifically "broken" was the middle piece which is known as the dessert matza or "Afikomen".

 

AFIKOMEN

a. The matza is broken before reciting the Haggadah, because the recital is to be over a matza suitable for the obligation of Haggadah, namely Lechem oni (bread of poverty) - which is a broken piece.

 

[Lechem oni means "bread of poverty", but is also interpreted as "Lechem she'onim alav" - the bread over which we answer (discuss; recite) many things. Combining both meanings, then, the Haggadah is to be said over matza, and in particular a matza which is noticeably "bread of poverty" - i.e., a broken piece of matza. (Pesachim 115b)]

 

19. The matza is to be broken while it is yet covered by the cloth.

 

20. It is customary to wrap the Afikomen in a cloth - in commemoration of "The people took.. the remainders [of the matza and maror] wrapped up in their garments" (Shemot (Exodus) 12:34; see Rashi), and to hide it among the pillows so that it will not be eaten inadvertently during the meal.

 

The Rebbe R. Sholom Ber - (and also his son, the Rebbe R. Yoseph Yitzchak) - used to break the Afikomen into five pieces. It once happened that it broke into six pieces, so he put one aside. [e]

 

Some have the custom that the children "snatch" the Afikomen (and ransom it for some present), but this is not done in Bet Harav. [f]

 

 

b. The larger piece is set aside, because Afikomen is a significant mitzva : [it is eaten as the very last thing at the Seder] representing for us the Pesach-offering.

 

The term Afikomen is said to mean "afiku - bring out- to the table all kinds of food.

 

Tishby and Mussaf He'aruch state that Afikomen is a Greek term for foods eaten at the conclusion of a meal (dessert).

 

c. The smaller piece is the one we recite the Haggadah over, as stated above note "e".

 

d. The broken piece must be between the two whole Matzot, because the motzi - which takes precedence to the blessing for "eating the matza" (see section on MOTZI and note "g" there) - is to be recited over a whole matza; and as "one must not by-pass mitzvot," the upper [thus first accessible] matza must therefore be whole.

 

e. The Rebbe explained that the middle matza represents Isaac (who signifies the attribute of Gevurah - severity; strict judgment). Thus there has to be a "breaking" of this matza, and into five pieces, signifying a "sweetening" of the five aspects of Gevurah.

 

This "sweetening" then manifests itself in Afikomen [for the pieces constitute the Afikomen], which means "afiku man" - bringing out manna - that is, an emanation of nourishment - signifying the attribute of "chesed (kindness; benevolence) of Abraham".

 

f. It has been suggested that the children's snatching of the Afikomen is alluded in the Gemara: "chotfin matza' - the matza is taken in a hurry (i.e., eaten; or removed) on the night of Pesach on account of the children, so that they should not fall asleep.

 

The Rebbe R. Yoseph Yitzchak related that the older daughter of the Rebbe R. Shmuel, when still a child, once snatched the Afikomen.

 

However, it would seem that this was an exceptional event, and in Bet Harav they do not "snatch?" the Afikomen. In this context one can refer to the saying of our sages: "Even if you steal from a thief, you also have a taste [(of theft);" that is, there remains a trace of illegitimacy, with the possibility of negative after- effects].

 

Some have said that "Afikomen" means "I came".

 

Others say that "Afikomen" means dessert because it is derived from "epikomon" or "epikomion"

 

XIV. Halachah

 

The Mishna:

The olah (the burnt offering) is a sacrifice of the kodshei kodashim (the most sanctified category). Its blood is sprinkled upon the altar in two applications which are like four.

 

The Method:

The Korban Pesach (paschal lamb sacrifice eaten on the eve of Pesach in the time of the Beit HaMikdash) may be eaten only at night (not on the day it is slaughtered as is the case in regard to all other sacrifices) and only until midnight.

 

The Halachah:

This Mishna is cited as a support for establishing the Halakhah according to the view of Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah, whose position is that the Korban Pesach can only be eaten until midnight and not like the position of Rabbi Akiva that it can be eaten by Torah Law until dawn.

 

The Application:

Even though we have no Korban Pesach today this ruling affects us in regard to the schedule of our Pesach Seder. The Sage Rava states (Pesachim 120b) that since the Torah links the mitzva of eating matza to that of Korban Pesach, one must eat matza -- which is a mitzva even when there is no Korban -- before midnight according to Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah in order to fulfill the mitzva .

 

Other Ramifications:

Both Tosefot and Rabeinu Nissim extend this midnight deadline to the eating of the Afikomen as well since it is eaten as a remembrance of the Korban Pesach. In regard to the recital of Hallel after the Afikomen, however, there is a difference of opinion. Rabeinu Nissim in Mesechta Megillah quotes a Tosefist opinion that it too should be recited before midnight. But the Tosefot in Megillah 21a notes that since Hallel is only a rabbinic obligation one need not be so stringent about saying it before midnight.

 

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 477:1) rules that the Afikomen should be eaten before midnight but makes no mention of Hallel. The Rama, however, adds that one should conduct the Seder early enough to allow for reciting Hallel before midnight. Based on the aforementioned sources we can well understand why the Mishna Berurah points out that an effort should be made in regard to Hallel before midnight but that is not as serious a requirement as the Afikomen.

Zevachim 57b

 

* * *

 

The Shabbat before Pesach is called "Shabbat HaGadol" (the Great Shabbat). It was in Egypt that the Jewish people celebrated the very first Shabbat HaGadol, on the tenth of Nisan - five days before their redemption. On that day the Children of Israel were given their first mitzva, a mitzva which applied only to that Shabbat, but not to future generations.

 

 

* * *

 

XV. The Haggadah[72]

 

How do we fulfill the mitzva (Shemot (Exodus) 13:8) to recount the story of the Exodus?

 

For this mitzva we have the Haggadah. The Haggadah is the book we follow on the first and second nights of Passover, for the seder meal.

 

The Haggadah is divided into the following sections:

 


The Order of the Seder

 

Kaddesh

Sanctify the day with the recitation of Kiddush.

 We drink the first cup.

U’rechatz

Wash! hands before eating karpas.

Karpas

Eat a vegetable dipped in salt water.

Yachatz

Break the middle matza.

Maggid

Narrate the story of the Exodus.

 We drink the second cup.

Rachtzah

Wash hands prior to the meal.

Motzi

Recite the blessing, Who brings forth, over matza as a food.

Matza

Recite the blessing over matza.

Maror

Blessing for the bitter herbs.

Korech

Eat the sandwich of matza and bitter herbs.

Shulchan Orech

The table is prepared with the festive meal.

Tzafun

Eat the afikomen which has been hidden all during the seder..

Barech

Recite the Blessings after the meal.

 We drink the third cup.

Hallel

Recite the Hallel Tehilim (Psalm)s of praise.

 We drink the fourth cup.

Nirtzah

Pray that God would accept our observance and speedily send Mashiach (Messiah).

 



Although we commonly refer to the entire book as the Haggadah, the term "Haggadah" technically refers to the middle part of the Haggadah, or what we commonly call the "Maggid" section. Since this section is where we fulfill the mitzva to recount the story of the Exodus, it is upon this section that our discussion is initially focused.

 

The Maggid Section of the Haggadah (the order of paragraphs for easier reference)

 

1. Ha Lachma Anya

2. Mah Nishtana

3. Avadim Hayinu

4. Maaseh B'Rabbi Eliezer

5. Amar Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah

6. Baruch Hamakom

7. Arbah Banim (the four sons)

8. Yachol m'rosh chodesh

9. Mit'chilah Ovdei Avodah Zarah Hayu Avoseinu

10. Baruch Shomer Havtachaso

11. V'hi sh'amda

12. Tzei u'lmad

13. Kammah Maalos Tovos

14. Rabban Gamliel haya omer

15. B'chol Dor va'Dor

16. L'fichach (Hallel)

 

The source for the obligation to recount the story of the Exodus is the verse:

 

Shemot 13:8 V'higadita l'vincha ba'yom ha'hu leimor, ba'avur zeh asah HaShem li b'tzeisi m'Mitzrayim.

 

Shemot (Exodus) 13:8 And you shall relate to your child on that day, saying: "It is because of this that HaShem acted for me when I came forth out of Egypt."

 

Although there are other verses in the Torah which command us to recount the story of the Exodus, this is the only verse which requires us to tell the story regardless of whether or not we are prompted by a child's question. The other verses command us to tell the story only if a child asks about the Exodus. Since the commandment of this verse, however, applies whether or not a child asks, it serves as the source for the mitzva of Pesach night for every Jew to tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt.

 

Since this verse is the source for the mitzva to recount the Exodus and, therefore, the basis for the Haggadah, the compiler of the Haggadah composed its content and order to correspond with the phrases in the verse V'higadita.

 

This "Source Verse" has six parts:

 

1)         And you shall relate to your child

2)         On that day

3)         Saying

4)         It is because of this

5)         HaShem acted for me

6)         When I came forth out of Egypt

 

The Haggadah, too, is divided into six sections, corresponding to these six phrases. Through the lens of this simple assumption we will begin to see the true colors and pattern of this marvelous masterpiece we call the Haggadah.

 

The First Section

 

And You Shall Relate To Your Child -- V'higadita l'vincha

 

The first eight paragraphs, beginning with "Avadim Hayinu" and concluding with "The son who does not know how to ask", were placed at the beginning of the Haggadah to correspond with "V'higadita l'vincha -- And you shall relate to your child", the first phrase of the Source Verse. Each paragraph contributes an essential element to describe the words "V'higadita l'vincha", "And you shall relate to your child".

 

When we read the paragraph of "Avadim Hayinu", it sounds to us to be the beginning of the story. Indeed, many commentators on the Haggadah maintain that the paragraph "Avadim Hayinu" is a narrative account, the first episode in the saga of our slavery in Egypt. However, if we step back and view "Avadim Hayinu" in the broad perspective with the entirety of the Haggadah, we will see that it is, in fact, not part of the story of the Exodus. (Footnote: It is so widely accepted to be a narration that the custom has evolved to preface the recitation of "Avadim Hayinu" by saying, "The answer to the four questions of Mah Nishtana is as follows...".)

 

The easy-to-make misinterpretation arises from the innuendo of the first twelve words of "Avadim Hayinu", which certainly do sound like a story:

 

We were slaves unto Pharaoh in Egypt, and HaShem our HaShem took us out from there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm.

 

Aside from these few words, however, nothing else in this paragraph, or the following seven paragraphs, even slightly resembles a narrated story. We find no story until we come to the paragraph "Mit'chilah Ovdei Avodah Zarah Hayu Avoseinu" (nine paragraphs later!). But now we are left with a question. If "Avadim Hayinu" is not telling us part of the story, then what is it telling us? The answer has profound implications.

 

The sentence, We were slaves unto Pharaoh in Egypt, and HaShem our God took us out from there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, is not the beginning of the story of the Exodus, but is the declaration of the fundamental reason WHY we are all obligated to recount the Exodus story.

 

BECAUSE we were slaves unto Pharaoh in Egypt, we are obligated to tell the story of the Exodus and to express our enormous gratitude to our Redeemer, for had He not brought us forth from Egypt we would still be there. "Avadim Hayinu" is the reason WHY we have the mitzva to tell the story; it is not the story itself.

 

Let us delve deeper into this idea by asking another basic question: Why must every Jew recount the Exodus, why must even the wisest sages tell the story, each and every year, which everyone already knows?

 

At first thought, we could say that the reason for this obligation is for everyone to recognize that our lives and our freedom come from HaShem. Through remembering the Exodus, we are reminded that it is HaShem’s omnipotent open hand which gives us everything we need. This renewed recognition inspires us to strengthen our love, awe, and service for HaShem.

 

It is unquestionable that this is a seemly explanation for the obligation to recount the Exodus. But still there seems to be something more to this mitzva , for if its purpose was solely to enhance our devotion to HaShem, then why are the wise, holy, righteous Jews, who are constantly cognizant of HaShem’s greatness, obligated to recount the Exodus? There must be some greater purpose behind this mitzva. It is this purpose which will give us profound insight into the mitzva of recounting to insure that we do not forget what HaShem did for us, but we also guarantee that our children and future generations will recall the Exodus and realize that their lives, too, were fundamentally affected by that cataclysmic event, and they will, as a consequence, acknowledge their personal responsibility to praise and thank the Almighty. To ensure this perennial awareness of what God did for His people, every Jew is commanded to tell and elaborate upon the events of the Exodus, regardless of his wisdom and knowledge, for it is not only for his benefit, but for the benefit of the future generations of the Jewish people.

 

If particular individuals had been exempted from this obligation, it would have been conceivable for the Exodus to be forgotten. Any Jew acquainted with history would exempt himself by justifying that he already knows the historical events. Exempt from telling the story of the Exodus, he would leave his children ignorant of the meaningfulness of their past, and unaware of their purpose for the present and their responsibilities for the future. By requiring every person to recount the Exodus, regardless of his knowledge, the Torah circumvents this problem. The continued consciousness of our collective history and the responsibilities and privileges that it bore is guaranteed.

 

We now understand the paragraph "Avadim Hayinu". The sole but critical purpose of "Avadim Hayinu" is to inform us that the obligation to tell the story of the Exodus falls upon every Jew, even if he already knows it and has no need to retell it. For it is not only for his sake that he must tell it, but for the sake of all following generations. "Avadim Hayinu" therefore says:

 

We were slaves to an oppressive king and to an oppressive nation. Only God, through His miraculous Divine providence, took us out from there. Had God not delivered us, we, our children, and our children's children would still have been subjugated to Pharaoh in Egypt. All subsequent generations would have been born into the oppression of Egypt. Therefore, since all later generations were also included in the redemption, they are also obligated to praise and thank God for the deliverance from slavery to freedom. In order to ensure that they will be aware of their privileged responsibility, we are all obligated to recount the Exodus "and even if we were all wise". For that is the failsafe strategem to keep alive the events of the Exodus in the mind and heart of the Jewish people.

 

1) "Avadim Hayinu" has an unmistakable purpose and is not out of order in the Haggadah. Since it is not meant to be part of the story but rather the impetus to tell the story, it is appropriately placed at the beginning of the Haggadah, before the telling of the story.

 

The statement "And if the Holy One, blessed be He, had not taken our fathers out of Egypt, then we, our children, and our children's children would still have been subjugated to Pharaoh in Egypt" is not repeating the idea that appears later in "B'chol Dor va'Dor", that we must view ourselves as if we were personally redeemed from Egypt. Rather, it is declaring the purpose for our obligation to recount the Exodus -- if not for ourselves, then for our children who were also affected by the event.

 

2) Once we understand that the purpose of recounting the Exodus is not only for ourselves, but for our children and future generations, we can understand why we must recount the Exodus even if we were all wise -- "V'afilu kulanu chachamim". The purpose of the recounting is not for us, but for our children. Requiring every individual to recount the Exodus, regardless of his level of knowledge, is the infallible method to ensure that our children arem" is not a self-contained statement, but the corollary of the preceding sentence, "... our children, and our children's children, would still have been subjugated to Pharaoh in Egypt". Once we know that the raison d'etre of the obligation is for the sake of our children, to ensure that they will know that they were redeemed as well, it follows logically that every one of us must recount it, "and even if we were all wise... we would nevertheless be obligated to recount the story of the Exodus from Egypt."

 

The Torah itself subtly implied this reason for the obligation when it phrased the command, "V'higadita l'vincha -- And you shall TELL YOUR CHILD...", using the verb "tell" and emphasizing telling "your child". If the purpose was for us and not for our children, the command would be phrased, "V'zacharta -- And YOU shall remember...".

 

The Hakhamim, following the Torah's lead that the purpose of telling the story of the Exodus is not only for us but for our children, introduced additional customs for the sake of the children, such as removing the Seder plate before the meal begins, and having the children snatch away the Afikomen. These customs were introduced to capture the attention and interest of the children and to encourage their questions, thereby assisting us to instill in them the awareness of the Exodus.

 

In conclusion, "Avadim Hayinu" is not the beginning of a story, but a pedagogical statement giving the reason why we are obligated to recount the Exodus even if we are all wise. The inclusion of "Avadim Hayinu" here is based on the words "V'higadita", the first words in the verse which stands as the basis for the Mitzva of Seder night. "Avadim Hayinu" encapsulates the essence of "V'higadita k'vincha -- And you shall relate to your child": the purpose for recounting the Exodus is for our children to be aware of what HaShem did for us, and for them.

 

The seven paragraphs that follow are also based on the words "V'higadita l'vincha":

 

"Maaseh B'Rabbi Eliezer" is an example of telling the story "even if we were all wise." Five of the greatest Tannaim, Rabbi Eliezer, Rabbi Yehoshua, Rabbi Elazar ben Azarya, Rabbi Akiva, and Rabbi Tarfon, eminent sages whose minds were immersed in the depths of every realm of Torah, nevertheless elaborated upon the Exodus story throughout the night. They knew that the purpose of the obligation was not solely for the individual, but for ensuing generations -- "And you shall relate to your child."

 

"Amar Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah" is also an important addition to this part of the Haggadah. Although there is an obligation to mention the Exodus every night of the year, the obligation on Passover night is different. Every other night one is required merely to mention the Exodus to himself, whereas on Passover night he must tell the story to someone else, and even if there is no one else present, he must tell the story to himself in order to safeguard against it ever being forgotten.

 

The paragraphs dealing with the four sons follow, depicting the responses to the questions of the four types of children. These paragraphs appropriately appear in the section of the Haggadah which corresponds to "And you shall relate to your child". The response to the last son, the son who does not know how to ask, is the very verse which is the source for the obligation to tell the story of the Exodus -- an appropriate ending to this section of the Haggadah.

 

The Second Section

 

On That Day -- Bayom Hahu

 

After the section which corresponds to the words "V'higadita l'vincha" and which describes the obligation to recount the Exodus, comes the section which corresponds to the next words "Bayom Hahu", on the day, and which describes the proper time for this obligation.

 

The Haggadah derives from the words "Bayom Hahu" that the obligation of "V'higadita l"vincha" -- telling about the Exodus -- must be fulfilled "on that day", the day "when matza and maror are in front of you" -- i.e. the Fifteenth of Nisan.

 

Therefore, following the order of words in the Source Verse, "And you shall relate to your child on that day", this is certainly the fitting place for the paragraph "Yachol m'rosh chodesh". This answers our sixth question.

 

The Third Section

 

Saying -- Leimor

 

We now come to the third section of the Haggadah, which corresponds to the third phrase "Leimor -- saying" in the Source Verse. We have seen that the compiler of the Haggadah established the order of the Haggadah based upon the sequence of words in the Source Verse, "V'higadita...". We have seen that he place compiler of the Haggadah consistent with the order of words in the Source Verse, but he also achieved a logical progression by first introducing the obligation to recount the Exodus ("V'higadita l'vincha"), then instructing when to fulfill this obligation ("Bayom Hahu"), and then including the actual fulfillment of the obligation ("Leimor").

 

This section of the Haggadah starts with the paragraph "Mit'chilah Ovdei Avodah Zarah Hayu Avoseinu" and continues with "Tzei u'lmad". Here, the Haggadah begins its analysis of the verses in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 26:5-8 which describe the history of the Exodus. Each word of these verses encapsulates the essence of the Exodus story -- the suffering of slavery, the relief of redemption, and the awesome miracles and wonders which HaShem wrought for our sake. The Haggadah cites each verse and shows how the details of the Exodus are inherent in each word.

 

Following the elucidation of the verses comes the paragraphs "Kammah Maalos Tovos" and "Al achas kamma v'kamma". These paragraphs list the bountiful kindnesses HaShem bestowed upon us when He brought us forth from Egypt, when He guided us through the wilderness, and when He escorted us into the Holy Land. They were placed at the conclusion of the recounting of the story of the Exodus because they include additional accounts of HaShem's benevolence which were not mentioned in the verses which the Haggadah cited, such as God's enriching us with the wealth of Egypt, the splitting of the Sea, the provision of our needs in the wilderness, and additional acts of kindness which the Exodus led to, including the giving of the Sabbath, the receiving of the Torah, the entry into the land of Israel, and the building of the Holy Temple.

 

In conclusion, the compiler of the Haggadah placed this section -- beginning with "Mit'chilah Ovdei Avodah Zarah", ending with "Al achas kamma v'kamma", and containing the actual telling of the story of the Exodus -- as the third section of the Haggadah. It appropriately corresponds to the third phrase of the Source Verse upon which the Haggadah is based: the phrase "Leimor -- saying" in the verse, V'higadita l'vincha ba'yom ha'hu leimor, ba'avur zeh asah HaShem li b'tzeisi m'Mitzrayim -- And you shall relate to your child on that day, saying: "It is because of this that HaShem acted for me when I came forth out of Egypt."

 

The Fourth Section

 

Because of This -- Ba'avur Zeh The fourth section corresponds to the fourth phrase, "Ba'avur Zeh -- it is because of this", in the Source Verse. With this simple assumption we can answer the seventh and eighth questions.

 

Rabban Gamliel's rule that one must explain the Pesach, matza, and maror, corresponds to the phrase "Ba'avur Zeh", which is why the compiler of the Haggadah placed the paragraph of Rabban Gamliel at this point in the Haggadah.

 

Rabban Gamliel's rule states that if one does not explain these three objects -- Pesach (the Paschal offering), matza, and maror, then one has not fulfilled the obligation to recount the Exodus. What is the source for this rule? His source is none other than the phrase to which this section of the Haggadah corresponds -- "Ba'avur Zeh".

 

How does Rabban Gamliel derive from these words the obligation to recite the explanation of the Paschal offering, matza, and Maror? Rabban Gamliel reads the verse "V'higadita" differently from the common reading. The common translation of the verse is, And you shall relate to your child on that day, saying: "It is because of this that HaShem acted for me when I came forth out of Egypt".

 

Rabban Gamliel, however, translates the verse as follows:

 

And you shall relate to your child on that day, saying: "this is because of what God acted for me when I came forth out of Egypt".

 

 Rabban Gamliel translates "Ba'avur Zeh" as "this is because" or "tRabban Gamliel's way is whether the word "Zeh", "this", is the subject or the object of the subordinate clause. Rabban Gamliel learns that it is the subject ("this thing is because") and not the object ("because of this thing"). To illustrate, it is as if the phrase reads "Zeh Ba'avur" instead of "Ba'avur Zeh", and as if the verse reads, And you shall relate to your child on that day, saying: "This is because of what HaShem did for me when I came forth out of Egypt.

 

What does "this" refer to? "This" is the object on the table to which one can point and say, "THIS is because...", referring to the Paschal offering, the matza, and the maror.

 

To summarize, Rabban Gamliel's rule is clearly written in the verse itself: And you shall relate to your child on that day, saying: "This [the Paschal offering, matza, and maror] is because of what God acted for me when I came forth out of Egypt". In order to fulfill the obligation of relating the story of the Exodus to one's child, one must also relate the reason for the Paschal offering ("Because the Holy One, blessed be He, passed over the houses of our fathers in Egypt"), the reason for the matza ("Because the dough of our fathers did not have time to become leavened"), and the reason for the maror ("Because the Egyptians embittered the lives of our fathers in Egypt"). This obligation is part and parcel of the obligation to recount the Exodus, as is evident by its presence in the verse commanding us to recount the Exodus.

 

This also explains why we must say "THIS matza" and "THIS maror", for "this" is the language of the verse, "Ba'avur Zeh -- this is because". (Footnote: We do not say "THIS Paschal lamb" because we no longer have the Pesach sacrifice to which we could point and say "this Paschal lamb". Since the destruction of the second Holy Temple, the text was changed from "This Paschal lamb which we eat" to "The Paschal lamb that our fathers used to eat at the time when the Holy Temple was still standing".

 

The Fifth Section

 

HaShem Acted for Me -- Asah HaShem Li

 

After the section of the Haggadah based on the phrase "Ba'avur Zeh", we come to the section based on the next words in the verse, "Asah HaShem Li". These words are the source for the obligation for each person to consider himself as if he personally had been redeemed from Egypt. Therefore, the compiler of the Haggadah placed the paragraph "B'chol dor v'dor", which discusses this obligation, at this point in the Haggadah following the order of the verse. This answers our ninth question.

 

This paragraph states, "In every single generation one is obligated to look upon himself as if he personally had gone forth out of Egypt." The paragraph continues to prove this obligation from the words "Asah HaShem li -- HaShem acted for me" in the Source Verse.

 

We asked that the idea of viewing oneself as having personally left Egypt already appeared at the beginning of the Haggadah in "Avadim Hayinu -- We were slaves... And if the Holy One, Blessed be He, had not taken our fathers out of Egypt, then we, our children, and our children's children would still have been subjugated to Pharaoh in Egypt". We already explained that the purpose of that statement is to explain why every individual is obligated to recount the Exodus "even if we were all wise". It does not come to express the idea that one must view oneself as having personally left Egypt. For that comes the fifth section of the Haggadah, the paragraph "B'chol dor va'dor", which corresponds to the phrase "Asah HaShem Li" -- the fifth phrase in the Source Verse, "V'higadita".

 

The Sixth Section

 

When I came forth from Egypt -- B'tzeisi M'Mitzrayim

 

The sixth section of the Haggadah begins with the paragraph "L'phichach -- Therefore we are obliged to avow thanks", an introduction to the recital of Hallel, the psalms of praise to God for the miracles of the redemption from Egypt.

 

This paragraph states that we are duty-bound to thank God with abundant expresses of praise and exaltation for all the acts of kindness He bestowed and continually bestows upon us. This paragraph ends with the imperative, "Hallelukah -- Praise God!", a befittingm'Mitzrayim -- when I came forth out of I Egypt", the sixth and final phrase of the Source Verse. The Hallel of the Seder commemorates the miracles of the redemption from Egypt and gratefully declares, "B'tzeis Yisrael m'Mitzrayim -- When Yisrael went forth from Egypt", echoing the words upon which its inclusion in the Haggadah is based, "B'tzeisi m'Mitzrayim". This answers our eleventh question.

 

And our final question -- why is this book called the Haggadah -- has long since disappeared. Since the book's foundation from beginning to end is based on the words of the verse "V'higadita l'vincha", it is needless to say that the most fitting title for this book is the first word of that verse, "Haggadah".

 

In Conclusion

 

With a single, clear, simple answer, we have discovered an overwhelmingly logical and organized order in the Haggadah. The order of the Haggadah is the order of words in the verse which stands as the source for one of the Pesach Seder's, and, indeed, one of the year's, most important Mitzvot:

 

And you shall relate to your child On that day Saying It is because of this HaShem acted for me When I came forth out of Egypt.

 

* * *

 

The Haggadah remains the key document whose raison d'etre seems to be use of the question. It begins with four, shifts to three types who ask questions and one who doesn't, and during the rest of the Seder, with the help of unique foods and special rituals, questions abound as a narrative spell of Jewish history is woven.

 

Hallel

 

The Gemara in Pesachim 118 tells us that Hallel was singled out because it has five special facets; it refers to:

 

(1)        Shemot (Exodus)

(2)        Splitting of Yam Soof,

(3)        Giving of Torah,

(4)        War of Gog and Magog, and

(5)        Revival of the Dead and the Pangs of Messiah

 

Pesachim 118a Now since there is the great Hallel, why do we recite this one?[73] Because it includes [a mention of] the following five things: The Exodus from Egypt, the dividing of the Red Sea, the giving of the Torah [Revelation], the resurrection of the dead, and the pangs of Messiah.[74] The Exodus from Egypt, as it is written, When Israel came forth out of Egypt;[75] as the dividing of the Red Sea: The sea saw it, and fled;[76] the giving of the Torah: The mountains skipped like rams;[77] resurrection of the dead: I shall walk before HaShem [in the land of the living];[78] the pangs of Messiah: Not unto us, HaShem, not unto us.[79]

 

R. Johanan also said: ‘Not unto us, HaShem, not unto us’ refers to the servitude to [foreign] powers. Others state, R. Johanan said: ‘Not unto us, HaShem, not unto us’ refers to the war of Gog and Magog.[80] R. Nahman b. Isaac said: [Hallel is recited] because it contains [an allusion to] the deliverance of the souls of the righteous from the Gehenna, as it is said, I beseech Thee, HaShem, deliver my soul.[81] Hezekiah said: Because it alludes to the descent of the righteous[82] into the fiery furnace and their ascent from it. ‘Their descent,’ for it is written, Not unto us, HaShem, not unto us: [this] Hananiah said; ‘But unto Thy name give glory’ was said by Mishael; For Thy mercy, a rid for Thy truth's sake, by Azariah; Wherefore should the nations say?[83] by all of them. ‘Their ascent from the fiery furnace,’ for it is written, O praise HaShem, all ye nations;[84] [this] Hananiah said; Laud Him, all ye peoples, was said by Mishael; For His mercy is great toward us,[85] by Azariah; ‘And the truth of HaShem endureth for ever,’ by all of them. Others maintain [that] it was Gabriel who said, ‘And the truth of HaShem endureth for ever.’ [For] when the wicked Nimrod cast our father Abraham into the fiery furnace, Gabriel said to the Holy One, blessed be He: ‘Sovereign of the Universe! Let me go down, cool [it], and deliver that righteous man from the fiery furnace.’ Said the Holy One, blessed be He, to him: ‘I am unique in My world, and he is unique in his world: it is fitting for Him who is unique to deliver him who is unique. But because the Holy One, blessed be He, does not withhold the [merited] reward of any creature, he said to him, ‘Thou shalt be privileged to deliver three of his descendants.’[86]

 

Why is Hallel split on Pesach night? The Hallel shows us both the past redemption and the future redemption. Thus, before the meal, we recite those parts of Hallel which pertain to the past, and after the meal we recite those parts of the Hallel which pertain to the future.

 

Midrash Rabbah - Vayikra (Leviticus) XXX:5 And tell of all Thy wondrous works (ib.). This, said R. Abin, applies to the Hallel[87] which contains references to the past, references to the future, references to the present generations, references to the days of the Messiah, and references to the days of Gog and Magog.[88] Thus: When Israel came forth out of Egypt (Ps. CXIV, 1) is a reference to the past; Not unto us, HaShem (ib. CXV, 1) to the present generations; I love that HaShem should hear (ib. CXVI, 1) to the days of the Messiah; All nations compass me about (ib. CXVII, 10) to the days of Gog and Magog; Thou art my God, and I will give thanks unto Thee; Thou art my God, I will exalt Thee (ib. CXVIII, 28) to the future.

 

 

XVI. Counting the Omer

 

The Omer Controversy: A sharp controversy existed between the rabbis and a variety of Jewish sects over the interpretation of the words THE DAY AFTER THE SABBATH in the verse commanding the counting of the omer. According to the rabbis, "the Sabbath" refers not to the seventh day of the week but rather to the first festival day of Passover; hence the omer begins on the second night of Passover. Yeshua exhorted us to do what the Pharisees said in:

 

Matityahu (Matthew) 23:2-3 "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

 

Various groups, beginning with the first-century Sadducees and continuing with the Karaites of the early middle ages, interpreted the word Sabbath in different ways. Most commonly, it was interpreted as the first Shabbat after the beginning of Passover. The implication of this interpretation is that Shavuot, which falls on the day after the omer count of forty-nine days, would always occur on a Sunday. It would also occur on different days of the month since the first Shabbat during Passover could be, for instance, the third day of Passover (Nisan 17) or the fifth day (Nisan 19). This view is incorrect in light of Yeshua's exhortation of Matityahu (Matthew) 23:2-3.

 

Yochanan (John) 19:31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day, (for that Sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and [that] they might be taken away.

 

4521 sabbaton, sab'-bat-on; of Heb. or. [7676]; the Sabbath (i.e. Shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extens. a se'nnight, i.e. the interval between two Sabbaths; likewise the plur. in all the above applications:-sabbath (day), week.

 

---------------- Dictionary Trace ----------------

7676 shabbath, shab-bawth'; intens. from 7673; intermission, i.e. (spec.) the Sabbath:-(+ every) Sabbath. Sabbath week

 

The date accepted by the Pharisees is the same date which is observed by Orthodox Jews. The date that we begin counting the omer is Nisan 16.

 

 

XVII. Quotes

 

"Anti-Jewish polemics (theological differences) figure largely in the Didache (an early church manual, 120 C.E.) which wars against Jewish fasting and prayers, but at the same time takes over Jewish elements for the liturgy of HaShem's Supper."

 

"It was generally agreed that the Savior ate the Pesach (Passover meal) on the fourteenth day of the Jewish month of Nisan, corresponding to the fourteenth day of the March moon. The Christians of Asia stuck to that date, and on that day merely substitute the Eucharistic Supper for the Jewish ritualistic repast."

 

"It appeared an unworthy thing that in the celebration of this most holy feast we should follow the practice of the Jews... Let us then have nothing in common with the detestable Jewish crowd." - Constantine's Nicene Letter, 325 C.E.

 

"The idea of going from a church to a synagogue is blasphemous; and to attend the Jewish Passover is to insult Christ." - Yochanan (John) Chrysostom, Sermons II and III, 387 C.E.

 

"No bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any other member of the clergy is to share in Jewish fast or feast, or to receive from them unleavened bread or other material for a feast."

- Apostolic Canon 69, 4th Century.

 


This study was written by Hillel ben David

(Greg Killian).

Comments may be submitted to:

 

Greg Killian

227 Millset Chase #

San Antonio, Texas 78253

 

Internet address: gkilli@aol.com

Web page: http://www.betemunah.org

 

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[1] Six months be-. fore the redemption.

[2] Ex. VI, 6.

[3] Ps. LXXXI, 7 in reference to Joseph.

[4] Ibid. 4.

[5] Isa. XXVII, 13.

[6] Ex. XII, 42.

[7] I.e., on this night they are not allowed to roam as on other nights.

[8] Shemot 4:13, according to Targum Yonatan, see also Rashi ad loc

[9] The word Torah means instruction.

[10] The word Nevi'im means Prophets.

[11] The word Ketuvim means Writings.

[12] Because it became unclean owing to the restoration of her youth (Gen. R. XLVIII, 14). This was a miracle, and in remembrance of that they were now to eat unleavened bread (Mah.). The passage, however may simply mean that she made them ‘cakes’, i.e. unleavened bread and they did not taste (leavened) bread, because it was the Passover period, as stated in Gen. R. XLVIII, 12.

[13] The word in the plural implies two persecutions.

[14] Abraham and Jacob.

[15] I.e., remembered on high.

[16] Heb. sgunk E.V. ‘at the set time’.

[17] Gen. XVIII, 14. Said by the angel to Abraham with reference to the birth of Isaac.

[18] Lit., ‘standing’.

[19] The interval between Passover and Pentecost.

[20] According to another tradition (based on the words, knead and prepare unleavened cakes), the angels appeared to Abraham on Passover. Cf. Tosaf. s.v. tkt .

[21] According to tradition, Sarah became niddah (v. Glos.) on that day.

[22] Lit., ‘defective (months)’. I.e., less than twenty-nine or thirty days.

[23] I Sam. I, 20 (E.V. ‘when the time was come about’). This is taken as proof by the Talmud that Hannah bore after six months and two days.

[24] Shemot (Exodus) 3:8

[25] Shemot (Exodus) 3:12

[26] From Luqas (Luke) 6:1

1207 deuteroprotos, dyoo-ter-op'-ro-tos; from 1208 and 4413; second-first, i.e. (spec.) a designation of the Sabbath immediately after the Paschal week (being the second after Passover day, and the first of the seven Sabbaths intervening before Pentecost):-second...after the first.

------------------------- Dictionary Trace ------------------------------

1208 deuteros, dyoo'-ter-os; as the comp. of 1417; (ordinal) second (in time, place or rank; also adv.):-afterward, again, second (-arily, time).

4413 protos, pro'-tos; contr. superl. of 4253; foremost (in time, place, order or importance):-before, beginning, best, chief (-est), first (of all), former.

 

[27] TC - Triennial Torah Cycle.

[28] AC - Annual Torah cycle.

[29] Yahoshua (Joshua) 5:3

[30] Yahoshua (Joshua) 5:12

[31] Yahoshua (Joshua) 24:13

[32] e.g. Amos 1:1 & 2:5-6

[33] Vayikra (Leviticus) 26

[34] Melachim bet (II Kings) 20:17-18

[35] Divrei Hayamim 30:15

[36] Melachim bet (II Kings)18

[37] Yiremyahu (Jeremiah) 26:18-19

[38] Divrei Hayamim 35:18

[39] Hilchot Melachim 1:1

[40] Shmuel alef (I Samuel) 8:ff

[41] Shemot Rabah 40:4

[42] Shmuel alef (I Samuel) 15:3

[43] Sifrei Re'eh 8

[44] Gemara Zevachim 52b

[45] Melachim bet (II Kings) 22:20

[46] Divrei Hayamim 35:31

[47] Divrei Hayamim 35:18

[48] see Divrei Hayamim 35:24-25

[49] Ezra 6

[50] Ezra 7

[51] Da'at Mikra introduction to Ezra/Nechemiah

[52] Ex. XXIV, 5.

[53] V. n. 7, p. 571, on ‘the children of Noah’. But Ex. XXIV, 5 was after Revelation.

[54] Gen. IV, 4.

[55] S. S. IV, 16.

[56] The burnt-offering was slaughtered on the north side of the altar; the peace-offering, on any side. He renders: Awake, O nation who hitherto, as Children of Noah, could only sacrifice on the north side of the altar (hence, burnt-offerings) and now, by accepting the Torah, come as a people who can sacrifice in the north and the south. — Cf. Gen. Rab. XXII, 5 (Sonc. ed. p. 183.)

[57] Sc. the best.

[58] It is a summons to the north and the south to bring in their exiles.

[59] Deut. XVI, 1.

[60] Ex. XII, 27.

[61] As that has been derived from Deut. XVI, 1.

[62] I.e., these verses teach that the Passover-offering must be sacrificed specifically as such and for its registered owner.

[63] In the sense that it is otherwise disqualified.

[64] Deut. XVI, 2. This too has the same teaching as XVI, 1. Since however it is superfluous in that case, it must intimate that this regulation is indispensable.

[65] E.g.,if an animal dedicated for a Passover-sacrifice was lost, whereupon its owners registered for another animal, and then the first was found after the second was sacrificed. Or again, if a sum of money was dedicated to buy a paschal lamb, but it was not all expended; then too the surplus must be used for a peace-offering.

[66] But not from the herd, which means the larger cattle.

[67] Heb. ‘hu’, This is regarded as superfluous and hence interpreted as emphasizing the regulation to the extent of making it indispensable.

[68] A change either in respect of sanctity or owner invalidates the paschal sacrifice.

[69] PdRE, section 21, Yonaton b. Uziel

[70] See Chizkuni on Shmot 12:15 (in the middle of his pirush) where he explains that chag ha'matzot is specifically seven days to correspond to the seven days that each plague lasted.

[71] This sequence avoids delaying the fulfillment of a precept by doing something else. [Receiving the full vessel involves the precept of sprinkling the blood in it on the altar; thus must precede handing back an empty vessel.]

 

[72] Many aprts of this section were excerpted from The Malbim Haggadah. Targum/Feldheim. Jerusalem 1993. Translated by Jonathan Taub and Yisroel Shaw.

[73] Viz., Ps. CXIII-CXVIII.

[74] I.e,, the suffering which must precede his coming.

[75] Ibid. CXIV, 1.

[76] Ibid. 3.

[77] Ibid. 4; cf. Judg. V. 4f.

[78] Ps. CXVI, 9

[79] Ibid. CXV, 1. This is now interpreted as a prayer to be spared the great distress of that time; cf. Sanh. 97a.

[80] V. Ezek. XXXVIII and Sanh., Sonc, ed. p. 630. n. 7.

[81] Ps. CXVI, 4.

[82] Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.

[83] Ps. CXV, 2.

[84] Ps. CXVII, 1.

[85] Ibid. 2.

[86] And when that promise was fulfilled, Gabriel said ‘and the truth’ etc.

[87] Pss. CXIII ff.

[88] Cf. Ezek. XXXVIII, 1 ff.