As If We Were There: Readings for a Transformative Passover Experience

Transform your Passover Seder into an immersive journey of personal and spiritual connection with As If We Were There.

This thoughtfully crafted book takes you beyond tradition, offering deep reflections, engaging commentary, and practical insights that help you relive the story of the Exodus in a meaningful and personal way.

About the Book

Passover is not just a historical retelling; it is an opportunity to relive the transformative journey from slavery to freedom. Rabbi Gidon Rothstein provides readers with daily reflections and guidance from the start of Nisan to the end of Passover, helping to prepare both mind and soul for the Seder experience.

The book is divided into two main sections:

Part I: As If We Were There

• A 21-day journey of daily readings that explore the Exodus story through Biblical text, Talmudic insights, and rabbinic commentary.
• Dive into the roles of key figures, like Moses and Pharaoh, and reflect on themes of faith, human choice, and divine intervention.

Part II: My Father’s Seder: Foundation of My Faith

• A personal memoir by Rabbi Rothstein, sharing how his father’s Seder inspired a lifelong commitment to Jewish learning and practice.
• Offers practical ideas and spiritual lessons to create a transformative Seder for your family.

Featuring Wisdom from Jewish Commentators

Rabbi Rothstein masterfully incorporates insights from renowned Jewish thinkers, including:

• Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) - The classic medieval commentator whose interpretations illuminate the Biblical text.
• Ramban (Nachmanides) - A 13th-century scholar offering profound insights into Torah and Jewish philosophy.
• Rabbi Baruch HaLevi Epstein (Torah Temimah) - Known for weaving rabbinic tradition with textual commentary.
• Rabbi Obadiah Sforno - A Renaissance-era sage known for his rational and ethical perspectives.
• Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) - A 16th-century commentator noted for his poetic and moral interpretations.

Why Read This Book?

Whether you’re leading a Seder for the first time or seeking to deepen your connection to Passover, this book provides:

• Thought-provoking questions and themes to enhance Seder discussions.
• A structured approach to reliving the Exodus, making the ancient story relevant today.
• A model for creating a Seder that resonates with all generations.

A Must-Have for Your Jewish Library

Perfect for families, educators, and spiritual seekers, As If We Were There invites you to approach Passover with fresh eyes and an open heart. Discover how the lessons of the Exodus can inspire growth, resilience, and faith in every generation.

Rediscover the power of storytelling, tradition, and transformation. This Passover, don’t just tell the story—live it.

Order your copy today and make your Seder truly unforgettable!

Gidon Rothstein received his rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University (1991), and his Ph.D. in Medieval Jewish History from Harvard (2003). He has served as a synagogue rabbi, a high school rebbe, and an adult educator. He is the author of We’re Missing the Point: What’s Wrong with the Orthodox Jewish Community and How to Fix it (2012), and Murder in the Mikdash (2005). He has also been Blogging R. Lichtenstein, which can be seen at torahmusings.com. He lives in Riverdale, with his wife Elizabeth Holland, a patent litigator, and their three children.