17 - The Pesach Seder - Making it Real, Making it Relevant by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe On the night of the Pesach seder we tell the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim to our children. We do not appoint anyone to accomplish this all-important task- rather, we ourselves the the story of the foundation of our nation. In this shiur, we discuss 5 goals and messages that we want to convey. We talk about the sensitivity and chessed of a Jew, the importance of questions, making it personal, our mission and purpose, and the importance of simcha.

18 - Haggadah - Privilege & Obligation by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The mitzvah of telling over and remembering Yetzias Mitzrayim is a fundamental mitzvah; one which we stress on Pesach and mention daily throughout the entire year. We discuss three different aspects regarding the centrality of our exodus from Egypt. Yetzias Mitzrayim is when we saw Hashem running the world. Additionally, we experience His personal care and concern for us as a nation. The fact that we were taken out of Mitzrayim also stresses our obligation to serve Hashem, who took us out from the bondage of Mitzrayim in order to serve Him.

19 - Tzav - Korban Todah & Pesach- Third Aliyah by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe In the third aliyah of Parshas Tzav, we learn about the korban todah. This thanksgiving offering is brought under 4 circumstances when a person was saved-from illness, traveling in the desert or ocean, or being released from captivity. The Maharal explains how Bnei Yisrael went through each of these elements through the enslavement and redemption from Mitzrayim. Although the korban todah includes chametz, on Pesach, we cannot bring this offering, requiring us to recognize that everything comes from Hashem, even when it appears to be through the hands of people.

Emunah 6 - Pesach by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Gan Eden and Galus - Thoughts for Sefiras HaOmer by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Gevuros Hashem - Chapter 52 - Haggadah Shel Pesach by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Haggadah - A Story of Empathy and Compassion by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The text we use in the haggadah to tell over the Pesach story begins with "Arami Oved Avi." Lavan tried to destroy Bnei Yisroel by undermining the unity in the house of Yaakov, forcing him to marry to sisters. This tension between brothers is what brought us down to Mitzrayim. Our experience as slaves in Mitzrayim helps us to be a more empathetic and compassionate people, rectifying the original lack of empathy that led the brothers to sell Yosef down to Mitzrayim.

Haggadah - As If You Left Mitzrayim by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We say in the haggadah that every person should view themselves as if they left Mitzrayim. We discuss three ways that one can understand this practically. First, although we were not the first hand recipients of Hashem's redemption, it is only because of it that we are alive today. Additionally, through this we define our national identity and our connection to all of Klal Yisrael, going beyond our individual selves. As we sit at our Seder table, we are the continuity of our forefathers, living the legacy and passing it on; therefore, they are still considered to be here through us.

Haggadah - The Basis of our Faith by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Our belief in Hashem is grounded in Yetzias Mitzrayim, which our ancestors witnessed firsthand, and passed down the revelation to us. This is different than the belief of Avraham Avinu, who discovered Hashem through looking at the world, and coming to a knowledge of Hashem. We are not commanded to follow the path of belief of Avraham; rather, our belief is from an experience that we saw.

Haggadah as Testimony by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe On the night of Pesach, we are giving testimony about Yetzias Mitzrayim. We testify about Hashem's existence based on what we actually saw and experienced. Therefore, it is important for every person to feel as if they themselves left Mitzrayim. Shabbos is also referred to as eidus, testimony, and we say that it is a remembrance to Yetzias Mitzrayim. The fact that we saw Hashem's hand directly involved in the world enables us to give testimony about Him as the Creator.

Haggadah Series - Part I - Teaching the Foundations of Faith by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We have constant reminders in our daily tefillos and throughout the Torah that Hashem is our G-d Who took us out of Mitzrayim. There are four explanations to the fundamental question of why it is so important to remember Yetzias Mitzrayim. These concepts form the building blocks of what we are supposed to gain from the seder, and the essential principles of our faith which we give over to our children on seder night.

Haggadah Series - Part II - Questions & Answers - Slavery & Freedom by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The haggadah is written in question answer format in order for us to explain the mitzvos that we are doing on Pesach. Even if a person is alone, he is required to explain the mitzvos of the night through questions and answers. As servants of Hashem, we have the freedom to ask questions, and are told how what we do is the best thing us. This is true liberation--receiving answers to our questions, with the knowledge and understanding that the mitzvos we are doing can help us to reach our full potential.

Haggadah Series - Part III - Identifying with the Jewish People by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe In the haggadah we read that every person is supposed to view themselves as if he himself left Mitzrayim. This does not require imagination; rather, we need to view ourselves as part of the chain of Klal Yisroel, part of a whole entity that was redeemed from Mitzrayim. It is a matter of our identity. Our tool for conveying this is the power of speech, as we tell over the story to our children. Through the positive power of speech, we are able to build a sense of connection and identity, and know that we are part of something greater, a nation that is bound by a covenant with Hashem that spans time.

Haggadah Series - Part IV - The Home and the Mikdash by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Throughout the geulah process of Sefer Shemos, we are getting back to a place where Hashem's shechinah rests among us, just like it did with the Avos. However, there is a difference between the centralized mishkan, and the presence of Hashem on each and every home. On the original night of Pesach, each home served as the mishkan, with the doorposts serving as the mizbeach, We try to build this special, unique environment of Pesach, bringing people together in the home, united by the presence of Hashem and a greater goal.

Haggadah Series - Part V - The Core Text of the Haggadah - Bikkurim by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The body of the haggadah mainly consists of the concise story of Mitzrayim found in Parshas Bikkurim, rather than the more elaborate descriptions of Sefer Shemos. There are 3 elements that we discuss: a springboard for drashos (deeper explanations), our appreciation for Hashem's miracles, and the answer to the mystery of the missing 5th cup for “V'heiveisi�. We also discuss how to celebrate the Seder without the Beis Hamikdash and Eretz Yisroel.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part I - Sefer HaBris by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe In this haggadah series, we learn about different parts of the hagaddah through the ideas of "Sefer Habris"-the eternal bond that Hashem has with the Jewish people for all generations. The mitzvah of bris milah and of korban Pesach are interconnected, as seen explicitly with the blood of both intermingling on the first Pesach. Both of these mitzvos play a critical role in our relationship with Hashem, and the ongoing connection that we have with Him.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part II - The Sacred Bris by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue learning about the haggadah as the Sefer Habris. The bris milah guards the sanctity of the Jewish people in areas of morality. Pharaoh, and the lustful Egyptians, tried to undermine our holiness and cause us to fail in that area. However, the merit of us holding onto the holiness and sanctity in relationships helped us merit to leave Mitzrayim. Hashem himself testifies about the integrity of the families of Bnei Yisroel, whose relationships are within the sanctity of bris.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part III - Renewing the Bris by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue our exploration of the Haggadah through the ideas of bris. In Mitzrayim, Bnei Yisrael took an active role in the Korban Pesach and in the distinction of their homes from Egyptian houses. This underscores the importance of the active connection and commitment that we each need to make. It is not enough to have the bris milah, the heritage passed down to a child when he is a tiny infant. Although that is the critical foundation, it is important to question and reaffirm our commitment and relationship with Hashem, getting to know Him and come close to Him.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part IV - Yosef at the Seder Part I- Moshe Took the Bones of Yosef - Two Phases of Galus and Geulah by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue learning about the haggadah as the Sefer Habris, and explore the underlying story of Yosef in Mitzrayim as it appears in the haggadah. Yosef was sent down to Mitzrayim because of hatred between brothers, which was the reason that the second Beis Hamikdash was destroyed. Purim was a redemption that was affected by the interpersonal relationships of the Jews, while the hand of Hashem remained hidden. Conversely, the redemption from Mitzrayim was with outright miracles and the clear hand of Hashem. These elements of bein adam lichaveiro (interpersonal) and bein adam lamakom (between man and G-d)both play important roles in the process of golus and geulah.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part V - Yosef at the Seder Part II- Two Redemptions by Rabbi Moshe Hauer We continue learning about the haggadah as the Sefer Habris, and explore the underlying story of Yosef in Mitzrayim as it appears in the haggadah. The story of Yosef going down to Mitzrayim, being enslaved, and then rising up to greatness could have been the redemption of all of the Jewish people, if everyone would have perceived it as the hand of Hashem. However, after they left Mitzrayim to bury Yaakov, they returned and began the harder stage of exile, which taught Bnei Yisroel to recognize Hashem. There are two stories of golus and geulah within Mitzrayim- Yosef's personal story, and our nationwide one.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part VI - Yosef at the Seder Part III- Smart Miracles by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue learning about the haggadah as the Sefer Habris, and explore the underlying story of Yosef in Mitzrayim as it appears in the haggadah. The miracles that Moshe Rabbeinu performed are different than any other navi, as his miracles were a direct extension of Hashem's arm. In the story of Pesach, the general workings of the world were suspended, and Hashem interacted with the Jews with specific hashgacha (Divine Providence). These miracles were targeted and direct, similar to the workings of Olam Habah, when each person will get exactly what he deserves.

Haggadah Series 5776 Part VII - Yosef at the Seder Part IV - Bread and Wine by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue learning about the haggadah as the Sefer Habris, and explore the underlying story of Yosef in Mitzrayim as it appears in the haggadah. Matzah and wine play prominent roles in the Pesach Seder, just as bread and wine play prominent roles in the story of Yosef. Yosef did not drink wine while he was in Mitzrayim, as wine is a luxury. Only when he came together with his brothers did he sit down to drink with them, creating a bond of togetherness. Yosef was in charge of the bread of Mitzrayim; everyone relied on him for their basic necessities. On Pesach, we give poor people money not only for the necessities, but also for the wine, building a sense of togetherness.

Haggadah Series 5777 - Part I - G-d's Promise by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The main part of haggadah is expansion of Parsha of bikkurim, where we expound on the story of our journey to Mitrzayim and our redemption. The idea of starting with the negative difficulties and going through to the terrific ending does not just apply to our time in Mitzrayim. Rather, this is something that defines and presents an ongoing destiny of the Jewish people. Hashem promised us that He is committed to us no matter what, and our relationship is there for keeps. We will face many challenges through the 4 periods of exile, but Hashem will save us in every generation

Haggadah Series 5777 - Part II - Lavan in the Haggadah I by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The main part of haggadah is expansion of parsha of bikkurim, where we expound on the story of our journey to Mitrzayim and our redemption. The idea of starting with the negative difficulties and going through to the terrific ending does not just apply to our time in Mitzrayim. Rather, this is something that defines and presents an ongoing destiny of the Jewish people. Hashem promised us that He is committed to us no matter what, and our relationship is there for keeps. We will face many challenges through the 4 periods of exile, but Hashem will save us in every generation.

Haggadah Series 5777 - Part III - Lavan's Loving Threat by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue learning about Lavan in the haggadah, this time discussing a different aspect of his threat to the Jewish people. Lavan's threat to Yaakov was not a threat of killing and torture; rather, it was a threat of loving embrace and closeness. The core danger of assimilation is getting used to the culture and making concessions to the other party. Lavan was an idol worshiper, and did not clear any of the idols out of his house when Yaakov came. Although their relationship was not smooth sailing, in the end, they made a covenant together, and do not make a clean break from Lavan, as they are still family.

Haggadah Workshop Part I: Questions & Answers:Lessons for Seder Night by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Questions and answers are an integral part to the haggadah, and the way we repeat the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim. We discuss three aspects of this important set up. First, it is important to speak to each specific person at the Seder, providing answers to their individual questions that suit their specific needs. Additionally, it is important to link the story to the mitzvos, and understand why we are doing the mitzvos that we do on the night of Pesach. Questions and answers are also the sign of a free person, who is able to ask and discover reasons for what is being done.

Haggadah Workshop Part II: The Essence of the Story-Two Perspectives by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe When we tell over the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim, we are instructed to begin with the low points, and lead up to the high points. There are two different opinions regarding what part of the haggadah is considered the low point: we were slaves in Mitzrayim, or that our forefathers worshiped idols. These two aspects reflect two explanations of why we refer to Hashem as our G-d who took us out of Mitzrayim: our obligation towards Him as our Master, and the loving relationship we have, as the privileged chosen nation.

Living a Balanced Life by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Mussar Chabura: Special Edition - Pesach & Freedom by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Netziv on the Haggadah - Part I by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Netziv on the Haggadah - Part II by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Pachad Yitzchok - Pesach - Krias Yam Suf by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Pachad Yitzchok - Pesach 1 by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Pachad Yitzchok - Pesach 2 by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Parshas Tzav - Chametz and the Ravages of Time- First Aliyah by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Parshas Tzav continues the theme in Sefer Vayikra of Korbanos. One of the commandments mentioned here is that in general, there cannot be chametz in the Beis Hamikdash. We don't bring offerings of bread, rather of matza. One reason for this is that chametz is subject to the ravages of time. Leavened bread needs time in order for it to rise and become fluffy. Besides for the alacrity that is required of the Kohanim, and by extension us as well, in our servitude of Hashem, time is something that is particularly sacred. When we were given the mitzva of Rosh Chodesh we were in a sense put in charge of time in this world. Hashem Himself is above time, as His Shem Havaya suggests that He was, is, and always will be. Hashem is also called Emes. He is constant and unchanging, not affected by time the way human beings are. In the physical world we are subjected to time, but in a spiritual sense, our eternal neshamos (souls) are not and we try to tap into that in this world.

Pesach & Eliyahu Hanavi, Parents & Children by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Eliyahu Hanavi is identified as coming to a bris, and coming to the seder. In the last nevuah (prophecy), it says that Eliyahu will come and return the hearts of fathers through their children, and children through their fathers. This power of Eliyahu, preserving the future through being zealous for Hashem, is evident in both of these occasions. A child represents the future, and we try to pass on our legacy and impart our mesorah to our children. This obligates us to become better, working to be examples for our children and to answer their questions. On the night of Pesach, we give to our children, enabling them to move forward and become our future.

Pesach - Eliyahu HaNavi and Moshe Rabbenu by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Pesach - Eliyahu Hanavi's Cup and Chair by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe There are two times when we set a "place" on this earth for Eliyahu Hanavi--at a bris, and at the Seder. We explore the connection between these two important times. When a child receives a bris, he is brought into the covenant of Hashem. At the Seder, we teach about our past so that we can continue carrying on this covenant into the future. This power of Eliyahu, preserving the future through being zealous for Hashem, is evident in both of these occasions. When the final geulah comes, Eliyahu will return the hearts of fathers to children and children to their fathers, in line with what he has been doing all along.

Pesach - Moshe's Miracles by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The nissim(miracles) that Moshe performed are qualitatively different from any other navi (prophet). Moshe did miracles in front of the entire nation, unlike other neviim, who performed miracles for small groups of people, or in homes of individuals. Additionally, Moshe acted as a direct emissary of Hashem, performing exactly what Hashem wanted, not as an agent who fulfills Hashem's will without the specific knowledge or ability to differentiate between exactly who deserves consequences and who does not. On the night of Pesach, we aim to follow this approach of Moshe—tailoring the telling of Yetzias Mitzrayim to each individual child, as opposed to taking a ‘wholesale approach’.

Pesach and Freedom by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Pesach II - Halacha & Haggadah by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Pesach Q & A by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Pesach Rediscovered - Part I - Celebrating the Power of Speech by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The power of speech and the power of free choice are two abilities that are unique to humans. In Mitzrayim, we suffered from a failure to use the power of speech properly. On the night of Pesach, we use our power of speech and free choice in the proper way, choosing to speak about miracles. Yetzias Mitzrayim is part of a broader picture, bringing us back to the way Adam was before the chet (sin). When we tell the story over to our children, we use the power of speech to affirm what man is supposed to be when we came out of Mitzrayim.

Pesach Rediscovered - Part II - From Dependence to Partnership by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We sing the song of dayeinu, thanking Hashem for all of the continuous chessed He bestows upon us. Through Yetzias Mitzrayim, we transition from being the recipients of pure chessed, to the recipients of Hashem's kindness along with expectations that come with Matan Torah. We are fortunate to be entering this realm of chessed combined with din (justice), as our relationship becomes a deeper partnership, rather than mere dependence.

Pesach Rediscovered - Part III - Renewed Responsibility by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe On Pesach, we are mekabel ol malchus Shamayim--we accept the yoke of Hashem as king upon ourselves. We have left Mitzrayim, and are no longer under the jurisdiction of a kingdom who wishes to prevent us from serving Hashem. Our acceptance of Hashem as king is not a once in a year obligation--rather, we fulfill it every day when we recite krias shema. Every day, we renew our commitment, just as every day, Hashem renews the world. This koach (power) of hischadshus (renewal) is the power of the yetzer tov, and gives the strength and vitality to renew our commitment to Hashem, especially accessed on the night of the Seder.

Remembering Yetzias Mitzrayim: Privilege & Obligation by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe

Rosh Chodesh Nissan Shuir - Women and Pesach by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe Preparing for Pesach is not just about getting rid of chametz. As women, it is important to prepare for Pesach by emulating Miriam Haneviah, whose faith in the redemption led to the birth of Moshe Rabbeinu. She brought tambourines along with her in order to sing praises to Hashem. As we head towards the season of renewal, let us infuse our houses with the joy and hope toward the future, emulating Miriam's optimism and faith as we prepare for Pesach.

Rosh Chodesh Nissan- 4 Pesach Points by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe In this Rosh Chodesh shiur, we discuss 4 ideas to give sharper focus to the month and to Pesach. The she'eino yodeah lishol, the child who doesn't know how to ask, does not simply refer to a young baby; rather, someone who does not ask because they do because they are supposed to. As free people, we encourage questions and are supposed to find meaning in what we are doing in order to understand and appreciate it. Additionally, Pesach is a Yom Tov of zerizus (alacrity), when we have excitement and energy because we are free to do this, not because we are forced. It is important to incorporate the joy in this mitzvah, and make preparations and the time something to look forward to and enjoy. Lastly, it is critical that we identify with the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim as part of Klal Yisroel, and part of the big picture.

Seder Companion.pdf by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The notes below distill the fundamental goals and purpose of the Pesach Haggadah. They are meant to be basic but thorough, a starting point for a clear understanding of the Haggadah's magnificent structure and content. Please do not read them all at once as an article but one paragraph at a time, as you reach or study the referenced paragraph in the Haggadah. It is my hope and prayer that these notes will enhance your Seder experience.

Special Haggadah Shuir 5774 Part 1 by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The Maharal's commentary on the haggadah is found in his sefer Gevuros Hashem. We discuss different elements of the Maharal's explanations, focusing on Mah Nishtanah and the idea of maschil begnus umisayeim bishevach, beginning the story with the negative and ending with the positive. We ask specific questions on the night of the Seder, and need to make sure to "plug in" the answers to the mitzvos that we are doing, as Rabbi Gamliel teaches. We continue discussing many different layers of maschil begnus umisayeim bishevach, including how it relates to many of the mitzvos we do and the correlation to our lives as a whole.