Beyond the Plate: Finding Pesach's Enduring Message Amidst the Preparations

As Pesach approaches, a whirlwind of preparations descends upon us—whether we are in New York, Chile, Eretz Yisrael, Belgium, or London. The sheer volume of tasks can feel overwhelming, a natural part of the Pesach experience. Yet, amidst the flurry, it’s crucial not to lose our sense of proportion. While preparing a beautiful home for Pesach is a cherished mitzvah, a manifestation of our desire to "beautify our lives" for the Ribono shel Olam, we must remember the ikar (main point) over the tafel (secondary detail). What is the core message we carry into Pesach?

Miracles in Pesach: From Open Revelation to Hidden Wonders

My father, of blessed memory, often referenced the Navi (prophet) who states, "Just like those days when you went out of Egypt, I shall show him tremendous miracles." This verse is grammatically unique—it begins personally ("you went out") but ends impersonally ("I shall show him"). My father explained that during the Exodus, the miracles were nissim geluyim—open, undeniable wonders visible to all, revealing Hashem’s direct hand.

However, after the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash, miracles became nissim nistarim—hidden miracles. It’s no longer easy to discern the Yad Hashem (Hand of God) in daily life. Our task is to open our eyes and recognize the constant miracles Hashem performs for us personally and globally. Even amid tragedy and doubt, we must hold fast to this knowledge. When Eliyahu HaNavi and Mashiach come, they will reveal the "second Sefer Torah," a heavenly record explaining all the hidden miracles since prophecy ceased.

The Paradox of Pesach: Joy and Sorrow Intertwined

The Seder night is unique, filled with mitzvot that carry seemingly contradictory meanings:

• Wine: Symbolizing joy (simcha) and blessing, yet also recalling the blood of Jewish babies used by Pharaoh in his cruelty. We drink in celebration, but with remembrance of sorrow.

• Matzah: Known as the "bread of affliction" (lachma anya), representing our ancestors’ hurried unleavened bread in slavery. Yet, it is also the "bread of freedom" (lechem ha’geulah), symbolizing the swift Exodus with no time for dough to rise. Matzah embodies both hardship and liberation.

• The Women in Mitzrayim: They endured immense suffering with their babies torn from them, yet continued to have children—demonstrating resilience and hope amidst adversity.

Pesach teaches us that life is a tapestry of mixed feelings, where joy often mingles with sadness or longing. True simcha can be simcha nishbera—a joy that pierces the heart. These complexities reflect the realities of the human experience.

Pesach: A Night of Seder and Action

Why is the night called "Seder"? It signifies a profound order in the world. Even when things seem chaotic and incomprehensible, Hashem is guiding everything. The Seder teaches us to trust that just as Hashem performed tremendous miracles in the past, He continues to provide for all our needs.

The Torah emphasizes the Exodus from Egypt fifty times, highlighting its profound importance. We invest so much effort in Pesach preparations—the cleaning, cooking, and buying—because Hashem wants us deeply engaged. The Seder is a night of action. While some debate the balance between thought and action, the Sefarim teach that action impacts the heart, leading to clearer understanding. The more mitzvot we perform and the more we discuss the Exodus with our children, the deeper its lessons permeate our beings.

Sefirat HaOmer: Daily Growth After Pesach’s Emotional Awakening

On the second night of Pesach, we begin Sefirat HaOmer—the mitzvah that follows the Seder’s emotional awakening. The Baalei Mussar explain that just as a father shares a vital life lesson once a year but reminds his son daily, so too the Seder plants deep gratitude and emunah (faith), which the daily Omer count reinforces.

Sefirat HaOmer is about strengthening ourselves through daily, small steps toward Hakadosh Baruch Hu. We are not asked for grand leaps, but consistent forward movement—one positive resolution at a time. This prepares us for Kabbalat HaTorah (receiving the Torah) on Shavuot.

Shir HaShirim: A Song of Enduring Divine Love

This Shabbos in Israel, and during the two days of Yom Tov in the diaspora, we read Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs). This emotional Megillah conveys love and longing between the King (Hashem) and the princess (Klal Yisrael). It depicts a relationship with mistakes and feelings of unworthiness, yet the message is comforting: "I am black but beautiful" (Shehora ani v’nava). Even when we feel "blackened by sins," Hashem sees us as eternally beautiful, each a precious diamond.

At the end of the Seder, after Hallel, we make time for Shir HaShirim to remind ourselves that Hashem’s love is constant. He "knocks on our doors," waiting for us to open our hearts. On Pesach, as we face life’s challenges, we thank Hashem and remember His unwavering presence and readiness to meet us if we do our part.

The Price of Sinat Chinam and the Power of Unity

Historically, many pogroms and blood libels against Jews in the Middle Ages falsely accused Jews of using Christian blood in Matzah. The Baalei Mussar trace this to the root of our first exile in Egypt: sinat chinam (baseless hatred) among brothers—specifically Yosef and his siblings, who dipped Yosef’s garment in goat’s blood, causing great distress to Yaakov Avinu.

Chazal teach that this sinat chinam led to continued suffering, including the destruction of the Second Beit HaMikdash. On Pesach, when dipping karpas in salt water, we recall Yaakov’s salted tears. To exit our current exile, we must eliminate sinat chinam.

Pesach is a time of Kol Dichfin Yei’tei V’Yechol—inviting others, especially strangers, into our homes, offering not just food, but kindness: a smile, a kind word, a call. The unity forged in Egypt, where our ancestors ate the Korban Pesach as one, remains a central theme.

The Power of Patience and Emunah in Pesach Preparations

A story is told of a simple man in Poland who, on Erev Pesach, spilled the Seder table after drinking. His wife screamed, but he quietly cleaned up and reset the table. The Baal Shem Tov later revealed that this man’s patience nullified a terrible Heavenly decree. This shows the immense power of inner peace and patience, especially when nerves fray during Yom Tov preparations.

Another story recounts a Rebbe, gravely ill before Pesach, forbidden from eating matzah. He drank only milk but dipped bits of matzah in milk and ate them. After Pesach, he was miraculously cured. Chazal teach that matzah brings health to the body and awakens our emunah, nourishing us physically and spiritually.

Conclusion: May This Pesach Strengthen Our Emunah and Bitachon

May this Pesach be a moment of tremendous inspiration for each of us, strengthening our emunah and bitachon (trust). May we soon merit to be united in Yerushalayim, bringing the Korban Pesach once more, and witnessing tremendous, open miracles in our days.

Have a wonderful Yom Tov and enjoy every minute!

All my love from Yerushalayim,2023