At the Seder we read about the four sons and learn how to relate to each of them. When the wise son asks us to explain the laws and customs of Passover, we respond by teaching him the laws beginning with the regulations relating to the Afikomen. Out of all the fundamental laws relating to Passover, why do we begin with a relatively minor one? The word Afikomen is derived from the Greek word meaning dessert. The reason for this is because the Afikomen represents the actual Pascal lamb, which was eaten after the main meal on a full...
Passover
Pass-over
One of the most important lessons we can learn from Passover is to literally “pass over” the stuff that really isn’t that important but that constantly seems to stress us out. So, when you feel that anger, frustration, and mega-stress taking over and threatening to ruin your day — “pass over” it. Hop right over it, and let it is pass right by you. You will feel free and redeemed. Happy Passover!
Afikoman
During the seder, when the wise son eagerly inquires as to the details of the laws of Pesach, the Haggadah tells us to begin by teaching him the laws of the Afikomen. Out of all of the important laws of Pesach, why is the afikomen chosen? The term “Afikoman” is derived from the Greek work meaning dessert. How do we capture the interest of a Jew who is exploring Judaism and searching for Jewish knowledge? The Haggadah teaches us to begin with the sweet stuff, dessert — the Afikoman. Expose him to the beauty of Torah, the love and...
Dayeinu – Is it Enough?
Every Passover we sing a beautiful song towards the end of the Seder. The refrain of the song is “Dayenu”, which means “it would be enough for us”. The song enumerates the great miracles performed for the Jewish people from the Exodus until their entrance into the Land of Israel and after each one proclaims “Dayenu”. For example, “If God had just taken us out of Egypt but not split the sea, that would have been enough for us”. The obvious question regarding “Dayenu” is, would it really have been enough? Would it have been enough if God took...
Blinding Rage
I recently was searching for a spot in the Mamilla parking lot in Jerusalem. Empty parking spots were scarce, and the traffic in the lot was building. I let a driver merge into the lane in front of me seconds before a spot opened up. The driver quickly moved into position to snag the spot, ignoring the car in front of her that had been patiently waiting to reverse into the spot. The waiting driver began honking and waving, indicating his position of seniority in the queue and reminding his rival of accepted parking lot etiquette. Oblivious to his...
Destroying Your Chametz
Chametz is prohibited on Pesach. What is it? One of the five grains (wheat, rye, oats, spelt, barley) mixed with water,and left idle for more than 18 minutes. As long as the dough is worked (kneaded), it cannot become Chametz. Our sages teach that Chametz represents haughtiness and ego (Guy-vah). On Pesach we destroy our personal “chametz”, for it can stand in the way of our complete redemption and true freedom. Chametz cannot come into existence while the dough is being worked. The way to make sure that our egos don’t get the best of us is to constantly...
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