Parshat Tzav & Pesach: Joy, Gratitude, and Redemption

This week, as we prepare for Pesach, we delve into Parshat Tzav and the significance of Shabbat HaGadol. May our preparations be filled with joy and holiness.

The Eternal Flame: Hope in Darkness

• "Eish Tamid Tukad": An eternal fire burned on the Mizbeiach (altar), symbolizing that even through the "night" of exile and suffering, a divine plan exists.

• Morning's Renewal: Just as the Kohen removed ashes and rekindled the fire each morning, we find renewed strength and hope after challenges, knowing Hashem has a plan.

Korban Todah: The Power of Gratitude

• Sacrifice of Thanksgiving: The Korban Todah (Thanksgiving Offering) was brought by those who survived sea voyages, desert journeys, imprisonment, or illness.

• National Gratitude: These situations mirror Am Yisrael's experience in leaving Mitzrayim: crossing the Yam Suf, traversing the desert, being freed from slavery, and spiritual healing from the sin of the Golden Calf.

• Proclaiming Miracles: The Korban Todah involved a large feast, compelling the individual to publicly share their miracle, emphasizing that the more we thank Hashem, the more miracles we will merit.

Pesach: The Mouth Speaks Redemption

• "Pesach" (Peh Sach): The word "Pesach" means "mouth speaks," reflecting the Seder night's focus on recounting the story of the Exodus.

• Korban Pesach's Connection: The Korban Pesach shared the Korban Todah's characteristic of being consumed entirely that night, encouraging families to gather and recount the story together.

The Seder: Divine Order and Emunah

• "Kadesh U'Rchatz...": The 15 steps of the Seder signify that everything in the world, including the Exodus and our own lives, follows a precise "Seder" – a Divine plan. This strengthens our emunah even when events seem unclear.

• Three Matzot: Representing Cohen, Levi, Yisrael, and also Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov – our ancestors who instilled spiritual strength.

• Four Cups of Wine: Symbolizing the four expressions of redemption and the four Matriarchs (Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, Leah) whose merit brought blessing.

• Four Sons: The four sons and their questions highlight the role of opening up the child's understanding, a task often associated with the mother's influence.

• Matzah: Bread of Affliction & Freedom: Matzah is both "poor man's bread" (representing slavery) and the "bread of haste" (representing rapid redemption). This paradox shows that Geulah (redemption) is intertwined with Galut (exile), with Hashem preparing salvation even within the hardship.

• "Matzilin B'Gnut": We begin the Seder by recounting our suffering (slavery) before listing the miracles. This approach ensures we appreciate Hashem's salvation even more profoundly, turning a rational understanding into an emotional experience.

• "K'Tzeit'cha Mei'Eretz Mitzrayim Areinu Nifla'ot": Just as Hashem performed open miracles (Nissim Gluyim) in Mitzrayim, we are assured He will show us "hidden miracles" (Nissim Nistarim) in every generation. Pesach strengthens our emunah to recognize the continuous miracles in our daily lives.

Physical vs. Spiritual Redemption

• Dual Exodus: The Exodus involved both a physical redemption (freedom from slavery at Makkat Bechorot) and a deeper spiritual redemption (freedom from Egyptian culture and impurity, represented by leaving Mitzrayim's land and civilization the next morning).

• Generational Connection: We say "B'chol Dor VaDor Chayav Adam Lir'ot Et Atzmo Ke'ilu Hu Yatza MiMitzrayim" (In every generation, one must see himself as if he personally left Egypt). While we didn't experience the physical exile, our souls (Neshamot) were present and spiritually freed, and we relive this experience each Pesach.

Rabbi Elazar Ben Azariah: Emunah in Darkness

• Remembering Exodus at Night: Rabbi Elazar Ben Azaria, a young Nasi after the Second Temple's destruction, instituted the remembrance of the Exodus at night in Kriyat Shema. This was to encourage Am Yisrael during difficult times, reminding them that Hashem's salvation comes even in darkness.

• Inspiration from the Camps: This resonates with stories of Jews in concentration camps, who clung to their emunah by making Seders and recounting the Exodus, even in dire enslavement.

The Significance of 15

• Pesach on 15th Nissan: The 15th day of the month, when the moon is full, symbolizes completion and growth.

• 15 Shir HaMa'alot: King David wrote 15 Shir HaMa'alot (Songs of Ascent), likened to our growth towards completion.

• 15 Dayenu: The 15 "Dayenu" stanzas show we continuously recognize Hashem's abundant blessings.

• Sefirat HaOmer: Pesach is just the beginning; we immediately begin Sefirat HaOmer, preparing ourselves spiritually for receiving the Torah at Shavuot.

A Heartwarming Pesach Story

A kind, unmarried Yeshiva boy in his late 20s, full of joy and helpfulness, planned to be the lively presence at his family's Seder. Days before Pesach, his grandfather fell ill and required hospitalization. While the family debated who would stay with him, the young man volunteered, convincing his parents to let him prepare for a hospital Seder.

On Pesach night, he noticed another elderly man behind the curtain next to his grandfather. He invited him to join the Seder. He created a beautiful, uplifting Seder for both men, explaining the Haggadah with great knowledge and singing joyfully.

Two weeks after Pesach, the mother received a call from the elderly man from the hospital. He had been so moved by her son's Seder that he wanted to suggest a shidduch (match) for him – his granddaughter, who lived abroad. The match materialized, leading to a happy marriage.

This story beautifully illustrates the power of mitzvot, emunah, and the joy we bring to others, leading to unexpected miracles.

Have a wonderful, enjoyable, and uplifting Pesach! May we merit to see tremendous miracles and only share good news. All my love from New York.