As Pesach nears, discovering our tradition anew

With the onset of Pesach, I find the study of the historical and philosophical side of our religious tradition to be of great inspiration in getting myself into the “holiday mood.” Thus, this week’s essay will focus on two works by Rabbi Dov Lipman that should help assist many in getting into this holiday mood.

The spiritual quest that Rabbi Lipman focuses on in his works, “Discover” (Feldheim, 2006) and “Seder Savvy” (Targum Press, 2010) describe in eloquent and intelligent terms the basic elements that make up the beliefs of our sacred tradition. 

“Discover” goes to the very heart of our tradition by dealing, in great detail, with such topics as Torah MiSinai, Torah She’baal Peh, the purpose of Creation, and the role of prayer and study. Some profound and heartfelt teachings are found in his essays on Women in Judaism, Suffering and Tragedies, Death, the Resurrection of the Dead, and the coming of Moshiach.

In his personal approbation to this work, Rabbi Aharon Feldman, Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Yisrael, wrote the following:

“The Torah and Judaism proclaim that man is successful if he accepts the dominion of G-d and makes his life an expression of His will. This stands in stark contrast to much of modern culture whose premise is that human autonomy is the ultimate good and that man’s success lies in the fulfillment of his fantasies of power and pleasure.

“A student in a modern day yeshiva high school is constantly  —  consciously or sub-consciously — faced with this conflict of view. He needs to understand why he should accept upon himself the way of the Torah and why it is superior to the lifestyle he sees in the world around him.

“Rabbi Dov Lipman, who has spent many years teaching these students, has produced a modern ‘Guide for the Perplexed’ for them. He explains why Jews must believe in Torah, and skillfully addresses many of the issues confronting a modern student.”

This approbation is reinforced within the text of this work wherein Rabbi Lipman notes the valued role that his Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg, zt”l, influenced his teachings and writings.