Dear YHT Family,

It is a pleasure to present this special edition of the YHT Family Haggadah, which is a collective effort by our faculty, parents and students. During this time of separation and isolation, this is yet another expression of our unity and strength. Kol HaKavod to all who contributed and a special Yasher Koach to Morah Geller's 7th grade girls. Special thanks to Judy Sobel and Ms. Kletenik for serving as editors. I hope this Haggadah enhances your fulfillment of Sippur Yetziat Mitzrayim as we continue to transmit our mesorah to our precious children. The source for the Mitzvah of telling the story of yetziat mitzraim is וְהִגַּדְתָּ֣ לְבִנְךָ֔ בַּיּ֥וֹם הַה֖וּא לֵאמֹ֑ר, and you should tell it to your child on this day. Why does the Torah use the word וְהִגַּדְתָּ֣ and not וְאָמַרְתָּ֥? The Netziv, in his Torah commentary Haamek Davar, distinguishes between haggadah and amirah in the verse in Parashat Haazinu:
 
שְׁאַ֤ל אָבִ֙יךָ֙ וְיַגֵּ֔דְךָ זְקֵנֶ֖יךָ וְיֹ֥אמְרוּ לָֽךְ - Ask you father and he will relate to you, your elders and they will tell you.
 
The Netziv explains that amirah refers to answering the questions directly and to the point, while haggadah goes beyond simply answering the questions, but involves elaborating and teaching far-reaching lessons, which motivate the child to want to learn even more. The special relationship which a parent has with a child, in general, but in particular t the Seder, is one of haggadah, teaching through discussion, which not only deepens the child's understanding but creates a special bond between parent and child as well. This relationship establishes the foundation for future conversations and discussions through which our beautiful mesorah is transmitted.
 
It is my fervent hope that this YHT Family Haggadah, created during a challenging time when so many are not able to celebrate with extended family and friends, will unite us and bring meaning and unity to our Pesach experience.
 
Chag Kasher Vesameach,
Rabbi Gary Menchel
Rosh HaYeshiva

haggadah Section: Introduction