The First Rebbe of Ger known as the Chiddushei Harim zt’l zy’a taught that through the Ten Plagues G-D brought upon Egypt reveal the Ten D-vine utterances through the world came in to existence. Each plague opened up another utterance of Creation. As each plague the D-vine origins of creation one of the ten forms of prayer. (see Lekutei Yehudah II:45).

The Rabbi’s observation is profound as Shemoth 20:2 bases faith in G-D on Israel’s Exodus experience. Further the Gerrer Rebbe’s…

Rabbi Ibn Abuchav ZT’L ZY’A in Menorat Hameor continues his study of Passover by describing the nature of the servitude. Pharaoh before acting needed political cover asserting that “ . . . Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we;”(Shemoth 1:9) Therefore, under the guise of a threat of Egypt becoming overrun by these foreigners Pharaoh called his advisors and said “Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it may come to pass, that, when…

Rabbi Yizchak Ibn Abuchav ZT’L ZY’A entered the Rabbinate latter in life and drawing from Maimonidies’ example compiled an anthology of Rabbinic teachings organized by topic. The rabbi had intended to compose a handbook of sermonic source material. Rabbi Abuchav’s work, Menorath HaMeor enjoyed such popularity that the standard Vilna 5635 edition has an extensive Yiddish translation accompanying the text.

Rabbi Ibn Abuchav begins his discussion about Passover by reciting the practice…

The laws of Passover begin [We commence] inquiring about [and investigating] the laws of Passover thirty days before the holiday (see Tur and Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 429, Mishna Berurah note 1). The Thirty days’ preparatory study begins on Purim itself (Mishna Berurah 429:2)

There is some discussion whether this particular law is common to all the festivals. However, as both Passover and Succot due to their unique observances require extensive prior study. The need for necessity…

The time has come again for us to delve into the mysteries and secrets of Purim and Adar and Haman and Achashveirosh and Esther and Mordechai and Zeresh and Vayezasa and the snake. Snake? Some say that Bigsan and Seresh took poison from a snake in their attempt to do away with Achashveirosh. Pretty courageous fellows, they were, no? Well, however they wanted to accomplish their nefarious deed, they didn’t…

'When seemingly unrelated events coincide particularly cyclical events that normally are not connected the question arises what common theme do they share? As well as does this common theme have a particular relevance to current events? Merely assigning these events coming together to happenstance would be contrary to a belief in Providence.

8 Adar celebrates the syum, the completion of a study cycle for both the 1 chapter and 3 chapters a day study cycle of Maimonides’ Yad HaChazakah…