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Divrei Torah V'Bracha
By Rabbi Scott Kahn

Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated moment of the Pesach seder is the recitation of Mah Nishtana, the four questions asked by the youngest child at the table. The questions roll off the tongue so easily that we may fail to notice that the words of Mah Nishtana are different from what one would normally expect. Why do we use the formulation for each of the four questions, “On all other nights” instead of simply asking, “Why are we doing such-and-such tonight?” Why do we recite an introduction which mentions the differences between the Pesach Seder and every other night? What does this add that would otherwise be missing?

Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik ZT”L offers an answer based on the Rambam’s explanation of the mitzvah of Sippur Yetziat Mitzrayim, the requirement to relate the story of the Exodus on the first night of Pesach. The Rambam writes: “It is a positive mitzvah to tell the story of the miracles and wonders that were done for our ancestors in Egypt on the night of the fifteenth of Nisan, as it says [in the Torah], ‘Remember this day that you left Egypt,’ just as it says [in the Torah], ‘Remember the Sabbath day.’” This second verse - quoted regarding the Sabbath - is the Biblical source for making Kiddush on Shabbat. What is the connection between the mitzvot of Sippur Yetziat Mitzrayim and Kiddush?

The Rambam maintains that part and parcel of the mitzvah of Kiddush is mentioning how Shabbat is different from other days. According to Rav Soloveitchik, the Rambam’s reference to Kiddush refers specifically to the requirement in regard to the mitzvah of Sippur Yetziat Mitzrayim and, must include, not only the recitation of the story itself, but also the fundamental differences between the Seder night and every other night before and after. This is accomplished during the recital of Mah Nishtana, when these differences are outlined through the formula, “On all other nights”.

May we all merit to experience the G-dly revelation of Pesach not only through finding the answers to our questions, but also by discovering the deeper meanings behind the questions themselves. With warm wishes for a Chag kasher v'sameach!

Rav Scott Kahn, Rosh Yeshiva

From the Desk of Rav Ozer Glickman

Rabbi Ozer Glickman, distinguished Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva University's Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and Chairman of the Educational Advisory Committee of Yeshivat Yesodei HaTorah, sent the following letter to our Roshei Yeshiva, Rav Pesach Wolicki and Rav Scott Kahn, following his recent visit to Israel. "I am still basking in the glow from my visit to the yeshiva. It was the highlight of my rushed visit to Eretz Yisrael and that is saying a lot. We spent a wonderful Shabbat in Jerusalem with YU alumni and friends including the esteemed elder Rabbi and Mrs. Wolicki Shlit"a. The Chag ha-Semicha at YU's Gruss campus was an emotional event. They were surpassed on Monday, however, by my visit with you, the rabbanim, and bachurei ha-yeshiva. I have been excited by Yeshivat Yesodei ha-Torah from our first meeting in New Jersey so long ago. To visit now and see the dream realized was breathtaking for me. Creating a yeshiva yesh ma-ayin is a remarkable achievement. Putting together the program and faculty that I strongly believe offer the best learning alternative for American yeshiva high school graduates in Israel is nothing short of miraculous."