Parshat Tzav and Pesach

This week’s Parsha is צו, that corresponds with שבת הגדול. Rabbi Soloveitchik points out that this Parsha is always read close to the Pesach holiday.

There is a connection alluded to in the Parsha, to Pesach preparations. There is a discussion regarding the vessels used in preparing the various קרבנות.

If an earthenware vessel was used, it cannot be kashered and must be broken. The Torah speaks of the use of a כלי נחושת, a copper vessel. If the קרבן was cooked in such a vessel, it must be rinsed and purged in the manner known as הגעלה. This needed to be done after each sacrifice.

Our Pesach preparations require us to also do הגעלה if we wish to use silverware and utensils used throughout the year. Earthenware vessels such as china, may not be kashered. These vessels only absorb tastes and cannot be removed with הגעלה. This procedure does work with metal vessels.

This is all alluded to in this week’s Parsha.

Personal Pesach Cleaning

The Rabbis make a point of reminding us what the overall purpose of Pesach cleaning really is. Just as we are careful to search every crack and crevice for חמץ, we also need to make a personal internal search.

In the midst of frantic cleaning and preparations for the Chag, we somehow steer away from the spiritual.

The Chametz is the symbol of haughtiness and conceit. Hashem has no patience for the arrogant. He is greatness and perfection. Man is not.

Just as we remove the Chametz, we are to search and remove our own negative personality traits. We should work on anger, jealousy, competitiveness, sadness, and self pity. We need to clean ourselves of all undesirable behaviors. If we can do this, we will fulfill the true purpose of our Pesach cleaning.

One, Six, or Seven

It is interesting to note that there are three verses in the Torah that seem to be contradictory.

One Pasuk says בערב תאכלו מצות, the evening of Pesach, we must eat Matza. There is another Pasuk that tells us that we may eat Matza for six days. And there is a third Pasuk that tells us to eat Matza for seven days!

The answer to this contradiction is as follows: The first night is an absolute positive commandment. We are expected to eat Matza at the Seder. The six and seven days are optional. If we want to eat Matza, we may, but we are not obligated.

The difference between six and seven days, depends on the flour we use. If we use flour from winter wheat, we must wait until the second day of Pesach after the Omer begins. Matza from this flour can be eaten for six days. If flour was used that was planted before Pesach, but harvested after Pesach, such Matza can be eaten for seven days.

This is how we explain the difference between one, six, or seven days.

Torah Pesach Laws

When studying the laws of Pesach, it’s always good to start with which are the Torah laws and give them top priority.

Regarding חמץ, there are actually three Torah laws. The first is תשביתו שאור מבתיכם, to remove Chametz from our possession. We do this, according to the Torah, by making a declaration of ביטול, nullification. The Rabbis insisted on checking every place where Chametz could have entered.

The Torah also forbids us to see and find, בל יראה ובל ימצא. This applies to Chametz we own but did not nullify.

At the Seder, we have two Torah commandments. The first is to eat a כזית of Matzah. And the second is to tell the Pesach story. This is learned from the words, והגדת לבנך, and you shall tell your children.

For this reason, the children are the most important people at the Seder, and we must do everything possible to keep them involved.

The rest of what we do is rabbinic. And remember, dirt is not Chametz!

The Month of Nissan

Shavua Tov. Chodesh Tov. Don’t forget to say ברכת האילנות now that we are in the month of ניסן.

This month is an especially happy month. No eulogies or fasting is allowed all month. No תחנון the entire month. It is the month that the future גאולה, Redemption, is to take place.

The first twelve days of Nissan, we read of the נשיאים and their offerings during the dedication of the Mishkan. These heads of tribes, showed no jealousy, and each offered identical sacrifices.

The fourteenth of Nissan was really פסח, as the קרבן פסח was prepared on that day. The seven days that followed were known as חג המצות.

And in the future, the seven day following the holiday, will be days of celebration following the coming of Mashiach. For all of these reasons, ניסן is a special month indeed.

Three Torahs

This Shabbat is unusual as we read from three ספרי תורה. In addition to ראש חודש, we read פרשת החודש that discusses some of the basic laws connected with the Pesach holiday.

We also begin the book of ויקרא that is also known as תורת כהנים. Temple and sacrificial laws make up a big part of ספר ויקרא.

Rabbi Soloveitchik discusses the deeper idea behind the offering of sacrifices. The Torah is certainly opposed to human sacrifices. Yet, living according to the Torah, means living a sacrificial life. To live morally, is sacrificial action.

Man must offer to Hashem, everything he possesses. He must be prepared to return all that is given to him.  He must return his mind, body, and spirit, to Hashem, as well.

Man sacrifices himself by withdrawing from arrogance and self centeredness. It is also important to acknowledge that even one’s wisdom is not his. It, too, belongs to Hashem.

Living and recognizing all of this, is how we truly live a sacrificial life. Shabbat Shalom

Pesach and Modiin

The city of מודיעין played an interesting role in preparations for Pesach. This was considered a city of כהנים, as it was in close proximity to Jerusalem.

There was an exemption to offer the קרבן פסח if one was בדרך רחוקה, far away from the Beit Hamikdash. He was allowed to offer it on פסח שני.

However, if someone reached מודיעין by the fourteenth of Nissan in the morning, he could not use the דרך רחוקה exemption.

It was assumed that if one left Modiin on foot on the fourteenth, he would get to Jerusalem.

The Gemara in פסחים says, איזוהי דרך רחוקה? מן המודיעין ולחוץ. The exception to this rule is if one is held up by caravans blocking the road. He is allowed פסח שני if he doesn’t have a horse or camel.

Another interesting Modiin Halacha is that if one finds a stray lamb close to Pesach, and it is between Jerusalem and Modiin, it must be assumed that lamb is sanctified. Someone’s קרבן פסח ran away. This animal must be treated as הקדש. It should be offered as a קרבן.

It is doubtful if today’s Modiin is in the same location as ancient Modiin. It seems that ancient Modiin was closer to Jerusalem.

Nonetheless, this city played a significant role in Passover preparations.

Temple Preparations for Pesach

It is interesting to note the kind of preparations that would be done at this time of year when the בית המקדש was in existence.

At the end of Adar, the גזבר, the Temple treasurer, was busy using up any surplus half shekels remaining from the previous year. It is likely that these funds were used in order to beautify the Temple to prepare for the masses coming for Pesach.

Temple emissaries were sent to repair the roads leading to Jerusalem. They would clearly mark off the cemeteries along the way. There were also wells and Mikvas that needed fixing after the long winter and heavy rains.

They guided the Jews from the north how to take routes either along the sea or the Jordan River. They made certain there was no טומאה, impurities along the way.

Other emissaries visited cities all over the country and called out קום ונעלה ציון, “Let us go up to Zion.”

In short, learning of these details should make us long even more for the rebuilding of the third Temple. May it be rebuilt speedily in our day!

Bedtime Advice

There is an interesting Halacha brought in the קיצור שלחן ערוך worth repeating. After going through the laws of Davening Maariv, there is a section titled, סדר הלילה, the order for the evening.

The Kitzur recommends that it’s a good idea to learn Torah after Maariv, and choose foods that will not interfere with a peaceful night’s sleep.

This special Halacha further says that any G-d fearing Jew should do the following: Before bed, he should review his day’s activities. If he realizes he did an עבירה, he should confess and show true remorse with a full heart. He should pay particular attention to foolishness, Lashon Hara, lying, and flattery. And finally, it is also a good idea to forgive anyone who may have wronged him. Excellent bedtime advice.

In Its Time

One final word on the Haftarah from Shabbat. There is a clear proof to the words of ישעיהו, בעיתה אחישנה, in its time I will hurry it. The idea here is that Mashiach can come in two ways. If we deserve it, Hashem will hurry it. And if we don’t deserve it, Mashiach will come in its time.

Yechezkel says on more than one occasion that Hashem is not rebuilding the House of Israel, because we deserve it. He is doing it because of His concern for His holy name, desecrated among the nations.

It says clearly, לא למענכם אני עושה בית ישראל כי אם לשם קדשי. I am not rebuilding the House of Israel for your sake, but for the sake of My holy name.

It says further בושו לכם, you should be ashamed of your actions. But ואחמול על שם קדשי, I had pity on My holy name.

Clearly, we are living in the period of בעתה, in its time, and not ואחישנה, I will hurry it.

Chillul Hashem

Shavua Tov. There is a Pasuk in פרשת פרה that tormented me when I was living in America. Actually, it was on Parshat Para in 1983 that I announced to my congregation that I was making Aliya. It was largely because of this Pasuk.

The Pasuk reads עם ה׳ אלה ומארצו יצאו, “ You are G-d’s people, then what are you doing outside of His chosen land.”

The context of this verse is that the Prophet Yechezkel is saying that after defiling the land with their evil ways, the Jewish people were banished from the land. They continued to desecrate Hashem’s name by their very presence in Chutz L’aretz. The nations of the world would mock the Jews living outside of Israel by accusing them that their G-d was weak. If he were strong, His children would not be living outside the land.

Simply put, the presence of a Jew in חוץ לארץ, even if he observes the Mitzvot is a חילול ה׳. Hashem says that He is tired of having His name desecrated among the nations. Therefore, He is rebuilding the House of Israel. No more חילול ה׳. The State of Israel is קידוש ה׳.

For years, I wished this Pasuk would go away. In order to be at peace with myself, I had no choice but to do the right thing and make Aliya.

The Pasuk עם ה׳ אלה ומארצו יצאו, was a great motivator.

פרשת פרה 2

Parshat Para’s Haftarah seems to be discussing the times we are currently living in. The prophet says that there will come a time when Hashem will decide to put an end to the desecration of His name.

Hashem’s name will be sanctified when His children return to Eretz Yisrael, and rebuild the House of Israel. The cities that were desolate will once again be filled with people. The land that refused to produce, will once again flourish. It will be clear to the nations of the world, that there is a special bond between G-d and the Jewish people. They will never be able to accuse the Jews of being rejected by Hashem.

In short, the rebuilding of Israel proves that Judaism is the only true religion, and the others are false.

We are so fortunate to be living in Israel and to be able to witness first hand the fulfillment of these prophecies. Shabbat Shalom

פרשת פרה

This Shabbat is פרשת פרה. It is read before the month of Nissan because everyone needed to be in a state of purity in order to offer the קרבן פסח. The likelihood was that people had come into contact with the dead. The ashes of the Red Heifer were needed for purification.

The Haftarah for פרשת פרה is from יחזקאל, and it is probably the most Zionistic and prophetic Haftarah of the entire year.

Just as the Torah reading speaks of a certain renewal that comes about through the process of the פרה אדומה, Yechezkel speaks of the spiritual renewal that will take place when the Jewish people return to Eretz Yisrael for the final redemption.

The prophet speaks of the pouring of מים טהורים, waters of purification in order to remove our hearts of stone. These hearts will be replaced by hearts of flesh. It will come to pass that Hashem will finally say, “You will be my people and I will be your G-d.”

All of this will come about when Hashem will decide once and for all, that it is time to put an end to the desecration of His holy name. More tomorrow, בע״ה.

Lessons from Eliyahu Hanavi

There are two other concepts learned from the incident of Eliyahu Hanavi and the prophets of Baal.

The first is the concept of הוראת שעה. This refers to a situation where the prophet is entitled to make a one time decision that is contrary to Jewish law. In Eliyahu’s case, he ruled that because of the seriousness of the situation, it would be allowed to offer a sacrifice on an alter outside of the Beit Hamikdash.

The other idea learned from that incident is that it is permissible to mock and belittle idol worshippers. We are generally commanded to be respectful of all people in society. However, idol worshippers need to be mocked to expose the falsehood of their ways. Eliyahu asked the prophets of Baal whether their god was unable to bring down a heavenly fire because he was busy relieving himself. They also made a point of hiring the most grouchy judges to be sure they are convicted. These judges were either old or unable to have children.

Two Sides of Fence

There is a very Pasuk in yesterday’s Haftarah. Eliyahu Hanavi has a showdown with the prophets of Baal. There are many Jews who cannot make up their minds and worship both Hashem and Baal. Eliyahu needs to prove that Baal is false and Hashem is true. He says the following: עד מתי אתם פוסחים על שתי הסעיפים, “How long will you straddle both sides of the fence?” If Hashem is true, worship Him. If Baal, worship it.

The message here is very powerful. Many people are very torn between two worlds- the secular and the religious. They think it’s possible to live in both worlds. Such a belief creates turmoil and confusion.

Obviously, we need to function in the real world. But our priority needs to be to live Judaism 24/7. Then one has a much more clear understanding of his purpose in the world. Hashem is his guide and he knows how to live his life.

Straddling the fence is not a solution. We must heed the rebuke of אליהו הנביא.

Loyalty

Rav Elazar Abuchatzeira was troubled as to why the חטא העגל was considered such a terrible sin.

The Midrash says that Satan showed the people what they thought was Moshe’s casket floating in the sky. In addition, the nation had only been freed for seven weeks. Wouldn’t it be natural to expect that they have doubts.

The Rav answered his own question by saying that much could be learned from Bilaam’s donkey. She couldn’t understand why he would strike her three times. After all, she had been his faithful donkey for many years. Rav Elazar said that not showing loyalty, is inexcusable. Everything Moshe promised that he would do, he fulfilled. Now after being only six hours late, would they turn to עבודה זרה.

We must never forget kindnesses done to us and become ingrates. A lack of loyalty to people who have been there for us, is inexcusable. This is why the חטא העגל was so severe, and we must learn its lessons.

חטא העגל

Shavua Tov. The three biggest sins in the Torah were the selling of Yosef as a slave, the sin of the spies, and חטא העגל, the sin of the Golden Calf.

Rashi explains that there were three groups who sinned with the Golden Calf. Those who were warned and had witnesses, were punished with death by the sword. Those who had witnesses but no warning, died in a מגפה, a plague. And those who had no warning and no witnesses, had to drink the water that had the melted calf in it. They drank the water and if guilty, their stomachs exploded like the סוטה.

The Kabbalists say that this sin was so grievous that death returned to עם ישראל. The Jewish people on הר סיני reached the status of Adam and Eve before their sin, and at that time, as well, there would not have been death to humanity.

When Mashiach comes, we will once again return to that  level once again. May that day come speedily.

Mordechai- Not Approved By All

The point of the Megillah that is most striking to me, is the very last Pasuk. It says that Mordechai was viceroy to אחשורוש, and he was רצוי לרב אחיו, and he found favor among MOST of his brethren.

The Talmud in מסכת מגילה makes a point of saying לרב אחיו אבל לא לכל אחיו. Most of the Jews approved of Mordechai’s tactics that led to his great ascent. However, despite the great salvation that he brought to the Jewish people, he was second guessed. This is just another indication that leading עם ישראל is no small task. Even when there was a happy ending and great celebration, there were those who probably didn’t like Mordechai’s style.

He was too provocative. He insulted Haman instead of bowing to him. Maybe he even made nicknames like “lying Haman”, or “sloppy Haman”, or even “crooked Haman.” Maybe he and his students shouted at Haman and said, “lock him up!”

He was questioned because they didn’t like his methods. And even when he brought results and lowered taxes and made life significantly easier for the Jews, he was still ridiculed. Isn’t interesting how history repeats itself? Purim Sameach and Shabbat Shalom

Shabbat

This week’s Parsha, כי תשא, gives us the source for the Thirty Nine מלאכות of Shabbat. It is learned from the words, אך את שבתותי תשמור, “But you shall observe my Shabbat.” This is positioned right in the middle of all of the discussions related to the construction of the Mishkan.  The lesson here is that one might think that building the Mishkan should take priority over the Shabbat laws. We are taught that this is not the case.

Rabbi Soloveitchik points out that we learn from here, the importance of Shabbat. The Jewish people have been able to survive without a בית המקדש, but we cannot survive without Shabbat.

Along with Kashrut and family purity, Shabbat is one of three pillars that Judaism is based on.

With the help of saintly Rabbis, they have managed to create a מקדש מעט, a small sanctuary, during our exile. However, Shabbat attests that Hashem is the true Creator of the universe. Abandoning this affirmation, is an abandonment of all that is sacred to our people.

Purim and Charity

The obligation to donate a half shekel to the Temple had nothing to do with Purim. This began in the desert and was an annual obligation every year during the month of Adar.

Every year starting with Rosh Chodesh Adar, tables were set up all of Israel for the collection of the half shekel. This donation was used for the maintenance of the Temple throughout the year. It was also set up in such a way that all of this money needed to be used up before Rosh Chodesh Nissan.

Shekalim were mentioned in Megillat Esther as part of Haman’s plot. For this reason, we have the custom of giving a מחצית השקל before reading the Megillah.

Rabbi Soloveitchik points out that sin represents selfishness, where sin overrules sacred principles. Giving צדקה as in half shekel, is the opposite. This act demonstrates sympathy, compassion, and sharing with others. This is why forgiveness from sin can only be attained through צדקה.

Charity or מתנות לאביונים is certainly one of the themes of Purim.