Rabbi Gary KatzWhy do we use wine for so many things????
So many rituals in Judaism happen over a cup of wine. Every Shabbat and holiday begins with the Kiddush over the wine and concludes with a prayer called havdallah which is also recited over wine. The Seder has four cups of wine. Many recite the Grace after Meals over a cup of wine. The prayers […]
Passover Math
How many: Matzos ________ Cups of Wine ________ Parts of the Seder ________ Sons in the Hagaddah ________ Ma Nishtana Questions ________ Spills at your table so far ________ Matzah balls can you eat ________ People who are looking for the same afikomen matzah ________ Dayeinu’s ________ Amount of horseradish eaten before you start crying […]
The Paradox of Matzah
Matzah is a unique ritual object in Judaism because it is a paradox. It is only one object but it has two simultaneous messages, which seemingly contradict each other – slavery and freedom. It was the bread eaten by the Jews as slaves and it also symbolizes their freedom because they didn’t have enough time […]
Passover – a Journey of Freedom From the Things That Hold Us Back
Passover coincides with the beginning of spring. The earth is waking up from the cold and darkness of winter. It’s a time for renewal, rethinking, and rebirth. We throw open the windows of our homes, we sweep away winter’s grit and dust. The story of Passover is a historic story of freedom from bondage. It’s […]