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  • Welcome to our special Passover episode, where we explore the profound layers of the Passover Seder, a ceremony that beautifully encapsulates over three millennia of Jewish history and identity. In this episode, we discuss the fifteen steps of the Seder, from Kiddush to the festive meal, and delve into the powerful narratives and symbols that connect us to our ancestors.

    We share a humorous yet insightful exchange between a rabbi and an astrophysics professor, which cleverly illustrates the depth of Talmudic study compared to the simplification of complex ideas. The conversation highlights how Jewish traditions and teachings are much more than historical records; they are vibrant memories passed down through generations, forming a continuous link back to the Exodus from Egypt.

    We reflect on how the presence of multiple generations at the Seder table turns these historical events into a vivid collective memory, extending back hundreds of years and forward into future gatherings. This episode also touches on the intriguing absence of certain words in Biblical Hebrew, such as "history," which is replaced with "memory" — a concept deeply ingrained in Jewish culture.

    Join us as we discuss how the Passover Seder transcends mere historical recounting, acting instead as a dynamic memory that engages with the past as a living part of our present and future. We conclude with a powerful message on transforming pain into blessing, inspired by the life of Henrietta Szold, who turned personal hardship into a legacy of love and humanitarianism.


    Main Takeaways:

    The Seder as a Link Across Time: The Passover Seder is not just a ritual but a bridge connecting 3,300 years of Jewish history through family stories and traditions passed down through generations.Memory Over History: The episode explores why the Hebrew language prefers the term "memory" over "history," emphasizing personal and collective identity formation through remembered experiences rather than impersonal historical events.Cultural Insights: A look at how the absence of certain words in Hebrew, like "history" and "civility," reflects deeper cultural values, with "memory" (zachor) and "chutzpah" taking prominent roles.Humor and Wisdom: The interaction between the rabbi and the professor serves as a metaphor for the depth and complexity of Jewish teachings and the importance of continual learning and interpretation.Transforming Pain into Blessing: Inspired by Henrietta Szold's story, the episode underscores a fundamental Jewish principle of using perso



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    I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
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    You can sponsor a needy person or family this Passover. They need your support, it goes a long way! https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
    I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
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  • The Passover Seder isn’t just a tradition....it’s an invitation. Not just for guests around your table, but for you. An invitation to show up emotionally, spiritually, and vulnerably. This class explores five Seder moments that, when fully embraced, can transform your night from ritual to revolution.

    We’ll journey from the cracked matzah to the humble matzah, from our collective memory to our personal growth, from the bitterness of trauma to the sweetness of faith. Discover why incompletion is a gift, how humility is the key to freedom, and why the Seder might just be history’s original group therapy session.

    5 Key Takeaways:

    Invite Yourself In
    The opening words of the Seder aren’t about inviting others—they’re about inviting yourself. Your full, vulnerable, questioning, present self. This is your moment to enter the story, not as a spectator, but as the protagonist.Celebrate What’s Broken
    Yachatz teaches that brokenness isn’t a defect—it’s a doorway. By honoring what’s missing, we create space for growth, connection, and Divine presence. Real healing begins when we stop pretending to be whole.You Are Part of a 3,337-Year Legacy
    While other civilizations forget, we remember. The power of the Seder is memory with mission: to remind us that no matter where we are, freedom is always the next chapter if we have the courage to write it.Humility is Freedom’s Secret Ingredient
    Matzah isn’t just flat—it’s freeing. The opposite of ego isn’t weakness; it’s openness. Freedom requires the courage to say, “Maybe I don’t know everything.” That humility invites new beginnings.Freedom Begins in the Heart
    Egypt isn’t just a place—it’s a mindset. It’s the voice that says, “This is how it’s always been.” But G-d gave us a hidden “escape hatch”—a shift in perception, a crack of hope, a step toward healing. Your freedom begins when you stop being “right” and start being real.

    #Passover #seder #freedom #matzah #Jewish #Judaism #pesach

    Passover Seder, Freedom, Matzah, Humility, Jewish Identity, Vulnerability, Brokenness, Personal Growth, Group Therapy, Jewish Memory, Healing, Transformation, Ego, Yachatz, Exodus, Egypt, Legacy, Soul Work

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    Chabad NDG Passover 2024 http://www.jewishndg.com/seder
    You can sponsor a needy person or family this Passover. They need your support, it goes a long way! https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
    I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
    If you would like to sell your Chametz for the privacy of your own home http://www.jewishndg.com/holidays/passover/sell_chometz_cdo/jewish/Sell-Your-Chametz-Online.htm

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  • Learn More About Passover http://www.jewishndg.com/passover
    Chabad NDG Passover 2024 http://www.jewishndg.com/seder
    You can sponsor a needy person or family this Passover. They need your support, it goes a long way! https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
    I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
    If you would like to sell your Chametz for the privacy of your own home http://www.jewishndg.com/holidays/passover/sell_chometz_cdo/jewish/Sell-Your-Chametz-Online.htm

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  • In the story of the seventh plague, hail, Pharaoh finally admits he was wrong after seeing hail mixed with fire from the sky—a strange and powerful miracle. This moment shows us that even someone as stubborn and self-centered as Pharaoh can have a moment of realization. The mix of fire and ice in the hail represents Pharaoh's personality: cold and unfeeling towards others but fiery and passionate about his own needs.

    The reason the plague was hail is significant too. Egypt didn't depend on rain because of the Nile River, so they never looked up and depended on something higher than themselves. This is like Pharaoh's narcissism, where he only depended on himself and never considered a higher power or the needs of others.

    However, Pharaoh's realization was short-lived, teaching us that overcoming deep-seated selfishness requires more than just a moment of clarity. It needs a fundamental change in how one views themselves and their place in the world.

    Takeaways:

    Self-reflection is crucial: Even the most stubborn person can have moments of clarity. It's important to reflect on our actions and consider their impact on others.Empathy over ego: The story teaches the importance of caring for others, not just ourselves. Being aware of others' feelings and needs helps us grow as individuals.The role of humility: Recognizing a higher power or something greater than ourselves can help combat selfishness. It's a reminder that we're not the center of the universe.Change takes time: True change in character and perspective is not instantaneous; it requires continuous effort and humility.

    By learning from Pharaoh's mistake, we're reminded to stay empathetic, humble, and open to change, ensuring we don't fall into the trap of self-obsession.

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    You can sponsor a needy person or family this Passover. They need your support, it goes a long way! https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
    I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
    If you would like to sell your Chametz for the privacy of your own home http://www.jewishndg.com/holidays/passover/sell_chometz_cdo/jewish/Sell-Your-Chametz-Online.htm

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  • Learn More About Passover http://www.jewishndg.com/passover
    Chabad NDG Passover 2024 http://www.jewishndg.com/seder
    You can sponsor a needy person or family this Passover. They need your support, it goes a long way! https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
    I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
    If you would like to sell your Chametz for the privacy of your own home http://www.jewishndg.com/holidays/passover/sell_chometz_cdo/jewish/Sell-Your-Chametz-Online.htm

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  • Learn More About Passover http://www.jewishndg.com/passover
    Chabad NDG Passover 2024 http://www.jewishndg.com/seder
    You can sponsor a needy person or family this Passover. They need your support, it goes a long way! https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
    I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
    If you would like to sell your Chametz for the privacy of your own home http://www.jewishndg.com/holidays/passover/sell_chometz_cdo/jewish/Sell-Your-Chametz-Online.htm

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  • Learn More About Passover http://www.jewishndg.com/passover
    Chabad NDG Passover 2024 http://www.jewishndg.com/seder
    You can sponsor a needy person or family this Passover. They need your support, it goes a long way! https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
    I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
    If you would like to sell your Chametz for the privacy of your own home http://www.jewishndg.com/holidays/passover/sell_chometz_cdo/jewish/Sell-Your-Chametz-Online.htm

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  • The Exodus from Egypt was not just a historical event—it was a revolution in human consciousness. Moses didn’t only break the physical chains of slavery; he shattered the psychological and spiritual limitations that kept humanity in bondage. This class explores how the Exodus introduced the language of freedom, inspiring revolutions, civil rights movements, and personal transformation throughout history. We will uncover how the lessons of Pesach continue to empower us to break free from limitations, redefine our identities, and pursue a life of purpose and growth.

    Key Takeaways:

    Slavery is a Mentality: The true bondage in Egypt was not just physical but a deeply ingrained mindset of submission and despair.The Power of Language: Moses introduced a new vocabulary of freedom, instilling in humanity the idea that change is possible.Exodus as a Blueprint: The story of the Exodus has fueled countless movements for justice, from the American Revolution to the Civil Rights movement.Personal Redemption: Every time we overcome fear, bad habits, or societal expectations, we reenact the Exodus in our own lives.Pesach as an Eternal Spring: Just as Passover must always fall in spring, the message of renewal, hope, and transformation is timeless.

    #Passover #Judaism #Pesach #Moses #freedom #personalgrowth #personalresponsibility #civilrights #humandignity #Redemption #chabad #Rabbi #jewishholiday

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  • Learn More About Passover http://www.jewishndg.com/passover
    Chabad NDG Passover 2024 http://www.jewishndg.com/seder
    You can sponsor a needy person or family this Passover. They need your support, it goes a long way! https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
    I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
    If you would like to sell your Chametz for the privacy of your own home http://www.jewishndg.com/holidays/passover/sell_chometz_cdo/jewish/Sell-Your-Chametz-Online.htm

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  • Support the show

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  • Plato argued that reality is found in perfect, unchanging ideals, while the physical world is merely a flawed reflection. Chassidic thought challenges this notion, asserting that G-d’s presence is found precisely in the imperfect, physical world. Through the lens of this debate, we explored how this idea impacts our relationships, personal growth, and spiritual journey—showing that meaning and divine purpose emerge from engaging with reality as it is, rather than escaping to an idealized version of it.Key Takeaways:

    Plato’s philosophy separates the ideal from the real, placing truth in abstract perfection.Kabbalah teaches that G-d’s presence is in the here and now, within life’s imperfections.The Torah’s repetition of the Mishkan’s construction emphasizes that holiness is not in a divine blueprint but in human action.Growth, relationships, and meaning are found in embracing life’s struggles, not escaping them.True beauty is not perfection—it’s the courage to build something holy in an imperfect world.

    Notes:

    See Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, The Dignity of Difference, for a detailed explanation of this idea of Plato and its impact on Western thought.

    "G-d desired a dwelling in the lowly realms" (Midrash Tanchuma, Nasso 16); "This is what man is all about, this is the purpose of his creation and of the creation of all worlds, supernal and ephemeral" (Tanya, chapter 36).

    #Kabbalah #Judaism #Plato #Rabbi #chabad #Jewish #Bible #BibleStudy #Torah #TorahPortion #TorahLessons #Vayakhel #ParshatVayakhel

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  • Anti-Semitism is not merely another form of bigotry or racial hatred—it is unique in its universality, its persistence throughout history, and its deep, irrational roots. From Pharaoh to Hitler, from ancient Persia to modern-day university campuses, the Jew has been targeted with a singular, unparalleled intensity. Why? What makes this hatred different from all other hatreds?

    This class delves into the core of Jew-hatred, exploring its historical patterns and its spiritual roots. The Talmudic parable of the "mound and the ditch" reveals that anti-Semitism is not simply about economics, politics, or cultural tensions—it is about something much deeper. The world has an innate reaction to the presence of the Jew, a reaction that stems from the unique role that the Jewish people play in history as the bearers of Divine morality.

    Through the lens of Torah, the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and a contemporary analysis of world events—including the resurgence of anti-Semitism post-October 7, 2023—this class seeks to answer the unanswerable: Why does the world hate the Jew? And, more

    importantly, how should we respond?

    Key Takeaways:

    A Hatred Like No Other – Anti-Semitism has persisted for thousands of years across all cultures and ideologies, defying conventional explanations.The "Mound and the Ditch" Paradigm – The Talmud describes two types of anti-Semites: those who see Jews as an unwanted obstacle and those who feel an existential void because of Jewish morality.The Sinai Connection – The world’s rejection of Jewish existence is linked to our mission as bearers of Divine ethics, which some embrace and others resent.Appeasement Does Not Work – History has proven that trying to minimize or hide Jewish identity never quells anti-Semitism; it often exacerbates it.The Jewish Response – Strengthening our connection to G-d, embracing Torah and mitzvot, and standing firm in Jewish pride is the only true antidote to anti-Semitism.

    #Antisemitism #Judaism #Purim #JewishHistory #Haman #Rebbe #habad #chabad #Jewishsurvival #Talmud #Jewish #MoralCourage #MoralResponsibility #JewishIdentity

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  • The Setting: After the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the Jewish people are subjects under King Ahasuerus of Persia. The story begins with the king throwing a grand party, during which Queen Vashti is banished for her refusal to display her beauty to the guests.Esther's Rise to Queen: Seeking a new queen, Ahasuerus holds a beauty contest. Esther, a Jewish girl raised by her cousin Mordechai, is chosen despite her reluctance and without revealing her Jewish identity.Mordechai's Discovery: Mordechai uncovers a plot to assassinate the king and reports it, saving Ahasuerus's life.Haman's Plot: Haman, the prime minister and a Jew-hater, becomes infuriated with Mordechai's refusal to bow to him. He convinces the king to issue a decree to annihilate all Jews on the 13th of Adar.Esther's Courage: Upon learning of Haman's decree, Mordechai convinces Esther to intervene. Esther bravely approaches the king, revealing her Jewish identity and exposing Haman's plot.The Turn of Events: The king orders Haman's execution on the gallows originally intended for Mordechai. Esther and Mordechai then write a new decree allowing Jews to defend themselves.Victory and Celebration: The Jews defeat their enemies across the empire, and the day of their victory, the 14th of Adar, is established as the joyous holiday of Purim, celebrating the miraculous turn of events that saved them.

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  • The Midrash compares Haman’s plot against the Jews to a foolish bird attempting to drain the sea, beakful by beakful. At first glance, this fable highlights the impossibility of eradicating the Jewish people. But upon deeper examination, it reveals the secret of Jewish survival, the core reason for antisemitism, and the unbreakable bond between the Jewish soul and Torah. Haman’s mistake was in thinking that severing Jews from Torah would make them vulnerable to destruction—yet, as history has shown, even when Jews have drifted from their spiritual roots, their intrinsic connection to G-d and Torah remains. This class explores why the Jewish people have endured against all odds and what this means for our own Jewish identity today.

    Key Takeaways:

    The Midrash’s Metaphor – Haman’s attempt to destroy the Jews was as foolish as a bird trying to empty an ocean. But why? This metaphor reveals deeper truths about Jewish resilience.The Secret of Antisemitism – Haman, like many persecutors throughout history, saw Jewish existence as a threat. Why have so many tyrants sought to destroy the Jewish people?The Relationship Between Jews and Torah – The Torah is to Jews what water is to fish. Even when Jews drift, they cannot fully detach from their Divine essence.G-d’s ‘Unsuccessful’ Plan – The Midrash states that even G-d could not destroy the Jewish people. What does this mean, and what does it teach us about the Jewish soul?Haman’s ‘Final Solution’ – His real plan wasn’t just genocide—it was to dry up the Jewish connection to Torah and assimilate them into Persian society. This strategy failed, just as all others have throughout history.The Eternal Bond – The Jews have outlived every empire that sought their destruction, proving that their essence is eternal.A Call to Jewish Unity – If a Jew was Jewish enough for Hitler to send to the gas chambers, he is Jewish enough for us to love and embrace. Jewish survival is not just a historical fact—it is a personal responsibility.

    #Purim #Jewish #Antisemitism #Judaism #Faith #Rabbi #chabad #Jewishsurvival #Torah #BookofEsther #Megillah

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