Pesachim

Embark on a journey of Jewish learning and discovery, exploring the depth of our Pesachim resources, where tagged items including audio, programs, and podcast episodes await your exploration.

Pesachim 103: Five Jews, Nine Opinions

Rabbi Jay Kelman

One of the basic ways we express gratitude is simply to say thank you. One way in which observant Jews do such is by reciting abracha before deriving benefit from this world.    Our tradition teaches that a Jew should say…
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Pesachim 100: Table Manners

Rabbi Jay Kelman

Considering the myriad of opinions on almost every aspect of Jewish law, it is not surprising that many pious Jews would try to act in a way that complies with as many differing opinions as possible. Such a sincere desire is lauded by the rabbis,…
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Pesachim 99: Drinks On Us

Rabbi Jay Kelman

Jewish law is most strict when it comes to accepting charity. "Make your Shabbat like a weekday"--eating less quantitatively and qualitatively--"and do not have need for others [for support]"(Pesachim 113a). The argument that…
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Pesachim 91: Keeping Our Children Honest

Rabbi Jay Kelman

One of the unusual laws regarding the korban pesach is that it can only be eaten leminuyav, by those who were specifically intended to be included as part of that particular sacrifice at the time of the slaughtering of the animal.…
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Pesachim 88: Watch Those Dates

Rabbi Jay Kelman

It is amazing how a slight change in perspective can make a huge difference. "R. Hiyya taught: What is meant by the verse, 'G-d understands the way and He knows the place'? (Iyov 28:23). The Holy One, blessed be He, knows that Israel…
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Pesachim 87b: We Want Converts

Rabbi Jay Kelman

We generally tend to view exile from the land of Israel as punishment for our sins, an apparent truism reinforced during the Yom Tov mussaf that begins, "because of our sins, we were exiled from the land". Yet, like all tenets of Judaism…
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Pesachim 68b: Fasting or Feasting

Rabbi Jay Kelman

The Gemara (Pesachim 68b) records a debate as to the proper way to celebrate Yom Tov. Rabbi Eliezer says that one must make a choice; we must either “eat and drink, or sit and learn”, whereas Rabbi Yehoshua says, “Divide it—…
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Pesachim 68: Timing Is Everything

Rabbi Jay Kelman

The korban pesach entailed many steps, both before and after its slaughter; and the Mishnah lists those activities that may, or may not, be carried out on Shabbat. Those actions that could have been done prior to, or after, Shabbat do not override…
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Pesachim 66: People Power

Rabbi Jay Kelman

One of the underlying pillars of democratic thought is confidence in the people to make the right choices, and in leaders to respect those choices. In a healthy democracy, people are well informed, allowing for vigorous debate; and leaders have the…
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Pesachim 66a: A Humble Lesson for Hillel

Rabbi Jay Kelman

While Korbanot tzibbur, public offerings, were sacrificed on Shabbat and Yom Tov--and serve as the basis for our davening mussaf on these days--private sacrifices were not.  Similar to a public offering, the korban pesach…
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