A Time of Renewal: Thoughts for Erev Pesach

By Rebbetzin Chavi Golovenshitz

Dedicated l'ilui nishmat Rav Shlomo ben Reb Yitzchak z”l

As Erev Pesach approaches, I know it’s not the time when many women are listening to shiurim or reading messages. We are all so busy — cooking, cleaning, preparing. But I wanted to send a few words of encouragement and reflection, some nourishment for the neshama, to carry with us into Yom Tov.

In the Haggadah we say: Kol hamarbeh l’saper b’Yetzias Mitzrayim harei zeh meshubach — “Whoever increases in telling the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim is praiseworthy.” This is not just an obligation; it’s an expression of the deep value we place on the miracles of our birth as a nation. The more one desires to recount these events — not because one must, but because one feels it in the heart — the more that reflects our true connection to emunah.

As my father, z”l, would often remind us: the mitzvah of remembering Yetzias Mitzrayim is mentioned 50 times in the Torah! Why? Because it is the very foundation of our emunah. We witnessed open miracles in Mitzrayim. We saw that Hashem cared for us, redeemed us from suffering, and revealed His love and purpose through that redemption.

When we sit at the Seder, we are meant to feel: “We ourselves are leaving Mitzrayim tonight.” The more we invest in preparing for Pesach — despite the hard work — the more we show Hashem that we yearn for a spiritual renewal.

The Power of Preparation

Even though we may not manage everything we would like, preparing for Pesach brings a deep sense of satisfaction. We refresh our homes, we uphold our cherished minhagim, and in doing so, we express our love and desire for spiritual growth. As the Torah says: U’shemartem es haMatzos — be careful that the matzah does not become chametz. But beyond matzah, this teaches us a lesson about all mitzvos: we must approach them with care, effort, and love.

The Dual Message of the Seder Night

What is so special about Leil HaSeder? On this night, we sit like princes — bnei melachim — reclining with joy. Yet we also eat maror, recalling the bitterness of slavery. The matzah itself embodies both aspects: it is lechem oni — the bread of affliction, yet also the bread of freedom, baked in haste as we rushed out of Mitzrayim. The wine, too, symbolizes both joy and remembrance of the blood and suffering of our people through the generations.

Why this duality? Because that is how Hashem created the world: day and night, light and darkness, joy and sorrow. There is a seder, an order to everything. Even when we don’t understand why things happen, our role is to trust in Hashem’s plan.

The Greatness of the Jewish Woman

It was the righteous women in Mitzrayim who sustained their families’ emunah, even when their husbands despaired. They continued to believe, to trust, and to prepare for redemption. That is why the Seder night begins with Kadesh U’rechatz — every step has meaning. There is an order in life, even in darkness. Hashem is always preparing the seeds of geulah.

When we say Mah Nishtanah, the child asks questions. But “habein shoel” — we are all Hashem’s children, and we all carry questions through life. We do not always receive answers. But as children of Hashem, we trust that all is for the good, even when hidden from us.

The Blood of Mitzvah, the Strength of Faith

Hashem gave us two special mitzvos in Mitzrayim: Dam Pesach (the blood of the Korban Pesach) and Dam Milah (the blood of bris milah). Why these two? Because bris milah creates a personal connection between the Jew and Hashem, while Korban Pesach strengthens our national unity. Hashem saw our desire to connect — both individually and as a nation — and said: “B’damaiyich chayi” — in this merit, you shall live.

As the Sfas Emes explains: B’damaiyich can also mean b’dom — silence. In Mitzrayim, despite the suffering and unanswered questions, we continued to believe in silence. In that trust, we merited life.

A New Beginning: From Pesach to Shavuos

On Pesach, we begin counting the Omer — a time of growth. Just as the moon waxes over 15 days, so too we aim to rise spiritually from the depths of galus to the heights of Kabbalas HaTorah. The 15 steps of the Seder, the 15 Dayeinu blessings, and the 15 Shir HaMa’alos all remind us of this constant upward journey.

As Chazal teach: chametz represents the yetzer hara. When we remove it, we prepare ourselves for a fresh start. Hashem sends us tal — dew — from above, representing pure heavenly blessing and the renewal of emunah that Pesach brings.

A Final Blessing

May this Pesach be a time of true renewal for each of us. As we reach the climax of the Seder with Hallel and Nirtzah, may we all sing together: L’shanah haba’ah b’Yerushalayim habenuyah! May we merit the geulah sheleimah with the coming of Mashiach and Eliyahu HaNavi, speedily in our days.

Wishing you all a Chag Kasher V’Sameach!