The seder is a journey from katnut (immature, childish, narrow-minded consciousness) to gadlut (mature, wise, broad-minded consciousness). From one perspective that IS the very essence of redemption. If a shift in perspective does not accompany the shift in circumstance, then that “deliverence” will backfire. At the seder, our expanding consciousness is evidenced by our evolving attitude toward matzah. In the course of the evening we will view the matzah in different ways, at

Shavuot teachings over the years (2008-2016).

A Translation of a Teaching from the Leshem[1]Sarah Yehudit Schneider שכר מצווה מצווהThe reward of a mitzvah is a mitzvah. [Avot 4:2] This simple maxim is interpreted several ways: 1) The reward of a mitzvah is the simple fact that you had the opportunity to perform it and to please G-d in that way, or 2) The reward of a mitzvah is that Providence will provide an opportunity for you to do another (reward-worthy) deed. The Leshem, however, interprets this adage in a novel way.

Tisha B’Av, 5780/2020Sarah Yehudit Schneider Yehoshua ben Levi met Mashiach and asked him: “When will you come, Master? When will you announce yourself?” Mashiach answered: “Today!” But the day passed and Mashiach did not come. Yehoshua ben Levi met Elijah the Prophet and reported his encounter with Mashiach: Elijah inquired: What did he say to you….” “He spoke falsely,” complained R. Yehoshua. “He said that he would come today, but he did not.” Elijah explained that when Mas

Rosh HaShana 5781 / 2020 The 18th day of this month of Elul marks the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov (R. Yisrael ben Eliezer), the revolutionary founder of the chassidic movement. The Baal Shem Tov was certainly a brilliant thinker but this was not his prime distinction. Rather, he translated the most exalted mystical ideas into a practical worldview that could be followed by accomplished scholars and simple-folk alike. Chassidut stresses the profound importance of prayer, lov

Chanukka 5781 / 2020 שע”כ קראו לימים האלה חנוכה שהוא חינוך והרגל לגאולה העתידה ב”בThis holiday is called Chanukka because it is training (chinukh) and practice for the future redemption.[1] So the question becomes…What do we know about the future redemption? And how does Chanukka prepare us for that? Background Our Messianic era is characterized by messianic consciousness, and the biggest clue we have as to what that looks like is its paradisiac prototype—Gan Eden. Though, ac