Departing Egypt Passover Haggada is the culmination of many decades of teaching and study, inspired by the encouragement of congregants, friends, and family. Throughout his adult life, Rabbi Frimer immersed himself in the writings of many different commentators on the Haggada, gleaning insights and interpretations of its age-old verses. He was intrigued by their creativity, ingenuity, and bold interpretations, as well as their probing analysis of intellectual, psychological, and emotional themes.
As a community rabbi, Rabbi Frimer shared these insights in an annual Haggada shiur, helping others engage more deeply with the text. He pays particular attention to the flow of the Haggada, guiding readers through its progression by summarizing key themes – where we have been, what we have learned, and where we are headed. Notably, he devotes special focus to the post-meal Hallel-Nirtza portion of the Haggada often overlooked by other commentators. This omission is unfortunate, as many Seder participants, both young and old, find Nirtza to be one of the most memorable and meaningful parts of the evening.
This volume is rich with insights and thought-provoking discussions on themes of servitude and the Exodus. Those who study it will undoubtedly find their Seder experience enriched and renewed.
The full traditional Passover Haggadah text is included in Hebrew, with commentary and instructions in English.
About the Author
For most of his professional life, Rabbi Dr. Aryeh A. Frimer was The Ethel and David Resnick Professor of Active Oxygen Chemistry at Bar Ilan University (now Professor Emeritus). He received his B.S. from Brooklyn College and his Rabbinical Ordination from Rabbi Yehudah Gershuni zt”l in 1969. While doing his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Harvard, he served as Rabbi to the Harvard-Radcliffe Orthodox Minyan.
Since his Aliya in 1974, he has served on the Rabbinic Board of the Rabbi Jacob Berman Community Center – Tiferet Moshe Synagogue in Rehovot, Israel. In addition to his extensive scientific work, Rabbi Frimer has lectured on Judaism, Zionism, and Jewish identity in officer training courses of the Israel Defense Forces. He has also published and lectured internationally on various aspects of Jewish tradition and Halakha, most prominently on the status of women in Jewish law.
Aryeh and Esther (Neiman) Frimer live in Rehovot and have four children, twelve grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
