Pesach According to Rav Levy Yitzchak of Berditchev
Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev was renowned for his righteousness, and his sefer Kedushat Levy is a cornerstone of Chasidic thought. He always has some interesting things to say. In this three-week series we will be studying his Torah on Pesach which will enrich your seder in particular, and the Chag in general. Let’s get ready!
Pesach According to Rav Levy Yitzchak of Berditchev: Lesson 1
THE BERDICHEVER HAGGADAH!: In his Drasha on Pesach Rav Levy Yitzchak unpacks terms like “bread of affliction” in terms of the spiritual state of life in Egypt/exile. Applying a myriad of Talmudic aphorisms to the Haggadah he plumbs what the Seder in particular and Pesach in general is really all about. It is my intention to cover the whole drasha in these three sessions. So… All who are hungry, come and eat!
Pesach According to Rav Levy Yitzchak of Berditchev: Lesson 2
THE 4 SONS, ZEVACH PESACH, HALLEL, ALL ACCORDING TO REB LEVY YITZCHAK: The cryptic answers given the four sons are given a thorough treatment regarding what are behind the questions, and what are behind the answers. We open with the tension between Matzah and Chametz, and what that has to do with not eating after we finished the afikomen…All in a days work! Come join us and grab some juicy tidbits for your Seder!
Pesach According to Rav Levy Yitzchak of Berditchev: Lesson 3
THE ESSENTIAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHABAT AND YOM TOV…AND IT’S NOT ABOUT COOKING!: The Berditchever Tzadik claims that we also get a Neshama Yetaira, an extra soul on Yom Tov too, but because of the essential nature of Yom Tov, no spices are necessary when we say Havdalah at Yom Tov’s end–even when it ends on Shabbat! He explains this critical distinction. So hold on to your extra soul this shabbat, as we learn about that and Isru Chag–the day after Yom Tov. Question: Why is there no Isru Shabbat? Rav Levy Yitzchak explains all.