Hi,
Many communities avoid eating roast at the seder, because the
korban pesach is roasted and we lack this korban in our own day. Several
reasons are offered to explain why the korban pesach is specifically
roasted over a flame, including the idea that royalty can afford to lose
the fat during the roasting process, and the idea that this
demonstrates the haste of the original Pesach night (when compared to
boiling).
Some communities even avoid eating roast during the
daytime of the first (and second, outside of Israel) day of Pesach, but
most communities do not have this practice. (See Beit Yehudah Orach
Chaim 51, Magen Avraham 473:8, Shaarei Teshuvah 473 צלויה and Yechaveh Daat 3:27.)
חג כשר ושמח,
Mordechai
Showing posts with label Pesach: Korban Pesach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pesach: Korban Pesach. Show all posts
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
The mitzvah of korban pesach
Hi,
The fifth biblical mitzvah is the instruction to prepare the korban pesach, and the sixth is to eat the korban. By performing these mitzvot, Jews commemorate the departure from Egypt, re-creating the original departure. Groups gather and select a lamb or goat, and bring it as their offering. Part of the meat is burned on the mizbeiach; the rest is eaten by the members of the group.
In the 19th century, Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer published arguments for bringing the korban pesach in our own age. Rav Kalischer dealt with numerous technical objections – identifying the location of the mizbeiach, requiring a navi, attaining ritual purification, identifying kohanim, creating proper clothing for the kohanim and more. Nonetheless, Rav Kalischer was opposed by Rav Akiva Eiger and Rav Yaakov Ettlinger (author of the Aruch LaNer), among others, and he was never able to implement his ideas.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
The fifth biblical mitzvah is the instruction to prepare the korban pesach, and the sixth is to eat the korban. By performing these mitzvot, Jews commemorate the departure from Egypt, re-creating the original departure. Groups gather and select a lamb or goat, and bring it as their offering. Part of the meat is burned on the mizbeiach; the rest is eaten by the members of the group.
In the 19th century, Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer published arguments for bringing the korban pesach in our own age. Rav Kalischer dealt with numerous technical objections – identifying the location of the mizbeiach, requiring a navi, attaining ritual purification, identifying kohanim, creating proper clothing for the kohanim and more. Nonetheless, Rav Kalischer was opposed by Rav Akiva Eiger and Rav Yaakov Ettlinger (author of the Aruch LaNer), among others, and he was never able to implement his ideas.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Celebrating Pesach alone?
Hi,
In 'Ha Lachma Anya' we say, "Let all who are hungry come participate in our Pesach."
"Some explain 'Let all who are hungry come participate in our Pesach' to mean that everyone should act as paupers regarding the Pesach. One should not say, 'I am wealthy, so I will acquire a Pesach offering for myself, and eat it alone.' Thus the Torah says, 'Acquire for yourselves a sheep, for your families.'"
(R' Tzidkiyahu ben R' Avraham haRofei, Shibbolei haLeket 218)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
In 'Ha Lachma Anya' we say, "Let all who are hungry come participate in our Pesach."
"Some explain 'Let all who are hungry come participate in our Pesach' to mean that everyone should act as paupers regarding the Pesach. One should not say, 'I am wealthy, so I will acquire a Pesach offering for myself, and eat it alone.' Thus the Torah says, 'Acquire for yourselves a sheep, for your families.'"
(R' Tzidkiyahu ben R' Avraham haRofei, Shibbolei haLeket 218)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Mitzvot of Pesach - The timeframe for the Korban Pesach
Hi,
The Sefer haChinuch points out that mitzvot are marked as significant if they have an allotted time period of their own, during which their rituals must be performed and into which nothing foreign is permitted to intrude. In keeping with this theme, the Torah instructs us to eliminate all chametz before midday on the fourteenth of Nisan (the Sefer haChinuch's Mitzvah 89), and only afterward may we bring the korban pesach.
At the other end of the mitzvah, we are instructed (Mitzvah 90) to ensure that all of the fats of the korban pesach, which are meant for the mizbeiach, are burned by morning. This is separate from our obligation (Mitzvah 8) to ensure that the meat of the korban pesach is not left over until the next morning.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
The Sefer haChinuch points out that mitzvot are marked as significant if they have an allotted time period of their own, during which their rituals must be performed and into which nothing foreign is permitted to intrude. In keeping with this theme, the Torah instructs us to eliminate all chametz before midday on the fourteenth of Nisan (the Sefer haChinuch's Mitzvah 89), and only afterward may we bring the korban pesach.
At the other end of the mitzvah, we are instructed (Mitzvah 90) to ensure that all of the fats of the korban pesach, which are meant for the mizbeiach, are burned by morning. This is separate from our obligation (Mitzvah 8) to ensure that the meat of the korban pesach is not left over until the next morning.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Mitzvot of Pesach - Korban Pesach and Brit Milah
Hi,
The korban pesach symbolizes our rejection of Egyptian lamb-worship and our acceptance of HaShem, which includes the message HaShem taught Avraham and Sarah, and the brit milah covenant. Therefore, an arel (an uncircumcised male) may not eat from the korban pesach, and neither may his parents. This is the 17th mitzvah recorded by the Sefer haChinuch.
Interestingly, the talmudic sage Rava (Yevamot 71b) says that an arel's mother also may not eat from the korban pesach, even though only the arel's father is obligated to circumcise him. Maharsha explained that this is because the brit milah requirement for korban pesach is not a law regarding brit milah; it's a function of the korban pesach, a requirement that we confirm our commitment to the brit of Avraham before we may participate in our national redemption. This applies to both parents.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
The korban pesach symbolizes our rejection of Egyptian lamb-worship and our acceptance of HaShem, which includes the message HaShem taught Avraham and Sarah, and the brit milah covenant. Therefore, an arel (an uncircumcised male) may not eat from the korban pesach, and neither may his parents. This is the 17th mitzvah recorded by the Sefer haChinuch.
Interestingly, the talmudic sage Rava (Yevamot 71b) says that an arel's mother also may not eat from the korban pesach, even though only the arel's father is obligated to circumcise him. Maharsha explained that this is because the brit milah requirement for korban pesach is not a law regarding brit milah; it's a function of the korban pesach, a requirement that we confirm our commitment to the brit of Avraham before we may participate in our national redemption. This applies to both parents.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Mitzvot of Pesach - Handling the Korban Pesach
Hi,
The Korban Pesach symbolized the Jewish people's newly-acquired freedom from slavery in Egypt, and so it was to be eaten in a royal manner. Therefore, HaShem gave the Jews two rules:
1. Not to take portions of the Pesach offering out of the place where the asseumbled group eats it;
2. Not to break the bones of the korban, as one would do in order to reach the marrow.
When impoverished people enjoy a feast, they save portions and take them home, and they break the bones to get at the last bit of edible meat. Ordinarily we are trained not to waste anything, and so one might think we should take home the leftovers and pursue the marrow – but we are taught to create a feeling of royalty and freedom with the korban pesach, to commemorate the joy of our departure from Mitzrayim.
(Sefer haChinuch, Mitzvah 15-16)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
The Korban Pesach symbolized the Jewish people's newly-acquired freedom from slavery in Egypt, and so it was to be eaten in a royal manner. Therefore, HaShem gave the Jews two rules:
1. Not to take portions of the Pesach offering out of the place where the asseumbled group eats it;
2. Not to break the bones of the korban, as one would do in order to reach the marrow.
When impoverished people enjoy a feast, they save portions and take them home, and they break the bones to get at the last bit of edible meat. Ordinarily we are trained not to waste anything, and so one might think we should take home the leftovers and pursue the marrow – but we are taught to create a feeling of royalty and freedom with the korban pesach, to commemorate the joy of our departure from Mitzrayim.
(Sefer haChinuch, Mitzvah 15-16)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Mitzvot of Pesach - Who eats the Korban Pesach
Hi,
The korban pesach may be consumed only by Jews, and specifically by those who are committed to the Divine covenant. Although we normally reach out to others, the korban pesach memorializes our original trust in Gd on that first Pesach, and so only those who trust are able to participate.
This rule is unique to the korban pesach; our sedarim do not share this status. One should endeavor to involve all Jews in a seder which will welcome them and offer them a meaningful experience.
(Sefer haChinuch, Mitzvah 13 and 14)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
The korban pesach may be consumed only by Jews, and specifically by those who are committed to the Divine covenant. Although we normally reach out to others, the korban pesach memorializes our original trust in Gd on that first Pesach, and so only those who trust are able to participate.
This rule is unique to the korban pesach; our sedarim do not share this status. One should endeavor to involve all Jews in a seder which will welcome them and offer them a meaningful experience.
(Sefer haChinuch, Mitzvah 13 and 14)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Mitzvot of Pesach - Remnants of the korban pesach
Hi,
The eighth mitzvah in the Torah, according to the count of the Sefer haChinuch, is to burn whatever is left from the korban pesach by morning, rather than save it for later. The Sefer haChinuch explained that this mitzvah is meant to make us feel like royalty; kings have no need for leftovers.
There is some debate regarding the specifics of this mitzvah. The Sefer haChinuch stated, “one may not leave anything over,” whereas the Rambam merely wrote (Mishneh Torah Hilchot Korban Pesach 10:11), “one may not leave over,” suggesting that one could leave a small amount. See the Minchat Chinuch for further discussion.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
The eighth mitzvah in the Torah, according to the count of the Sefer haChinuch, is to burn whatever is left from the korban pesach by morning, rather than save it for later. The Sefer haChinuch explained that this mitzvah is meant to make us feel like royalty; kings have no need for leftovers.
There is some debate regarding the specifics of this mitzvah. The Sefer haChinuch stated, “one may not leave anything over,” whereas the Rambam merely wrote (Mishneh Torah Hilchot Korban Pesach 10:11), “one may not leave over,” suggesting that one could leave a small amount. See the Minchat Chinuch for further discussion.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The Mitzvot of Pesach - Roasting the Korban Pesach, Part II
Hi,
The Rambam and Raavad disagreed (Hilchot Korban Pesach 10:11) as to how the roasting of the korban pesach was performed. The Rambam wrote that they roasted the entire animal, including the prohibited gid hanasheh. The Raavad dissented sharply, saying, "Should I merit to eat the korban pesach, and he would bring this before me, I would smash it down on the ground before him!"
This unresolved disagreement is one of the arguments against bringing the korban pesach in our own day.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
The Rambam and Raavad disagreed (Hilchot Korban Pesach 10:11) as to how the roasting of the korban pesach was performed. The Rambam wrote that they roasted the entire animal, including the prohibited gid hanasheh. The Raavad dissented sharply, saying, "Should I merit to eat the korban pesach, and he would bring this before me, I would smash it down on the ground before him!"
This unresolved disagreement is one of the arguments against bringing the korban pesach in our own day.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Mitzvot of Pesach - Roasting the Korban Pesach, Part I
Hi,
As counted by the Sefer haChinuch, the seventh mitzvah in the Torah requires that we roast the korban pesach. The Sefer haChinuch offers two reasons for this:
1. Classically, only royalty ate roasted meat. Peasants ate boiled meat, which would preserve the fat and be more filling.
2. Roasting over a flame is quicker than boiling in a pot. The Jews ate the Korban Pesach in haste, and we mark their haste by cooking with the quick, roasting method.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
As counted by the Sefer haChinuch, the seventh mitzvah in the Torah requires that we roast the korban pesach. The Sefer haChinuch offers two reasons for this:
1. Classically, only royalty ate roasted meat. Peasants ate boiled meat, which would preserve the fat and be more filling.
2. Roasting over a flame is quicker than boiling in a pot. The Jews ate the Korban Pesach in haste, and we mark their haste by cooking with the quick, roasting method.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Monday, April 4, 2011
The Mitzvot of Pesach - Preparing and eating the korban pesach
Hi,
As recorded in the Sefer haChinuch, the fifth biblical mitzvah is the instruction to prepare the korban pesach, and the sixth is to eat the korban. By performing these mitzvot, Jews commemorate the departure from Egypt, re-creating the original departure. Groups gather and select a lamb or goat, and bring it as their offering. Part of the meat is burned on the altar; the rest is eaten by the members of the group.
In the 19th century, Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer published arguments for bringing the korban pesach in our own age. Rav Kalischer dealt with numerous technical objections – identifying the location of the altar, requiring a prophet, attaining ritual purity, identifying kohanim, creating proper clothing for the kohanim and more. Nonetheless, Rav Kalischer was opposed by Rav Akiva Eiger and Rav Yaakov Ettlinger (author of the Aruch LaNer), among others, and he was never able to implement his ideas.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
As recorded in the Sefer haChinuch, the fifth biblical mitzvah is the instruction to prepare the korban pesach, and the sixth is to eat the korban. By performing these mitzvot, Jews commemorate the departure from Egypt, re-creating the original departure. Groups gather and select a lamb or goat, and bring it as their offering. Part of the meat is burned on the altar; the rest is eaten by the members of the group.
In the 19th century, Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer published arguments for bringing the korban pesach in our own age. Rav Kalischer dealt with numerous technical objections – identifying the location of the altar, requiring a prophet, attaining ritual purity, identifying kohanim, creating proper clothing for the kohanim and more. Nonetheless, Rav Kalischer was opposed by Rav Akiva Eiger and Rav Yaakov Ettlinger (author of the Aruch LaNer), among others, and he was never able to implement his ideas.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
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