The Brisker & Rov's Haggadah
The House of Brisk, who revolutionized the study of Torah, focused their attention on Pesach night as they did on all of Torah. Join Rabbi Dr. Gidon Rothstein as he shares ideas from two of the prominent Haggadot from that world, one with the thoughts of R. Chaim Solovetichik and his son, R. Yitzchak Ze’ev (R. Velvele Brisker),and the other collected from the ideas of R. Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, often called, simply the Rov.
For the full 2026 pre-Pesach program please CLICK HERE
The Brisker & Rov's Haggadah: The Brisker & Rov’s Haggadah
Here’s the AI summary of what we discussed!
Overview
Rabbi Gidon Rothstein leads an in-depth study session on early Hagada Iggotas, focusing on their interpretations of the Passover Hagada and the Exodus story. Key participants include Rabbi Rothstein and Joel Goldschmidt, with contributions from attendees such as Alyzah Abraham. The session explores themes of freedom, charity, and the obligation to delve deeply into the Exodus narrative each year, emphasizing the dynamic and lifelong nature of Torah study.
Rabbi Rothstein highlights differing rabbinic views on the timing of the redemption and the Passover sacrifice, connecting these to broader theological and historical debates about the duration of Jewish exile. He also discusses legal concepts like ‘Chazakah’ and their impact on understanding the Exodus timeline. Psychological insights into faith and suffering are examined through the figure of Asa, offering a nuanced perspective on human responses to adversity.
The session concludes with reflections on the symbolism of the first fruits offering and the role of the Egyptian firstborn in the narrative of the plagues, underscoring the complex interplay of historical, legal, and moral themes in the Hagada. Rabbi Rothstein encourages ongoing study and engagement with these texts, inviting participants to explore the full range of Hagada trailers available in the series.
Rabbi Dr. Gidon Rothstein has semicha from YU (RIETS) and a PhD from Harvard. He has worked in shul rabbinate, high school and adult education. He is the author of both fiction and non-fiction, most recently "As If We Were There: Readings for a Transformative Passover Experience". He lives in Riverdale, NY.