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Why is the Haggadah in Aramaic, and what does "haggadah" (which means both storytelling and harsh speech) really mean? The shiur develops that Aramaic represents the ability to see from another's perspective, the foundation of true communication. Pesach (פסח) night's she'eilah u'teshuvah (question-and-answer) format demands we understand what the listener truly needs to hear—creating unity through genuine dialogue rather than prepared speeches.
Rabbi Zweig explores the deeper meaning of "Haggadah" on Pesach (פסח) night by examining several textual difficulties. The word "haggadah" appears to have contradictory meanings: it suggests gentle storytelling ("v'higadeta l'vincha"), yet Rashi (רש"י) on the Torah (תורה) uses it to mean harsh speech ("dvarim hakashim k'gidim"). How can the same word encompass both gentle narrative and tough language? The shiur develops that the resolution lies in understanding the unique nature of Aramaic language and communication. Aramaic represents the ability to see from another person's perspective—to truly understand where they are coming from and what they need to hear. This is why Talmud (תלמוד) Bavli is written in Aramaic: the Gemara (גמרא)'s method of she'eilah u'teshuvah (question and answer) requires genuine dialogue where each party understands the other's perspective. The Tower of Babel unified through "safa echad" precisely because they mastered this form of communication (before misusing it).
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Pesach Haggadah; Shemos (Ki Sisa) - Rashi on "dvarim hakashim k'gidim"
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