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The Secret of Attaining Holiness at the Passover Seder
D'var Torah: "Rabban Gamliel said, 'Whoever does not mention Pesach, Matzah, and Maror has not fulfilled his obligation.'" We read in the Passover Hagadah that before we partake of the Pesach lamb, the Matzah, and the Bitter Herbs during the Seder, it is necessary to mention the reason for each one of these three Mitzvot. Yet, we don't find that any other Mitzvah needs to be preceded by a verbal explanation. Why do we need to speak out the reason for these three Mitzvot? When Klal Yisrael were enslaved in Egypt, they were contaminated by the impurity of idol worship that was so pervasive in that country. Since they were distanced from holiness, they lacked the spiritual vitality to properly fulfil the Mitzvot. Therefore, HaShem asked them to state the purpose of these Mitzvot before performing them. Amazingly, the verbal dedication that they made before fulfilling each Mitzvah, restored the holiness within their souls. Once they recovered their holiness, they were in position to fulfil these three Mitzvot with the proper sanctity and purity that is required by the Torah.
Moral: Even though we have been affected by the impurity that surrounds us, the verbal explanation for the Pesach, Matzah, and Maror has a great purifying power. By articulating the reason for these three central Mitzvot of Passover, HaShem removes the impurity from our souls and draws us close to the light of the holy Shechinah.
Application: Share this D'var Torah with the people joining you at the Seder. Convey to them that explaining the reason for Pesach, Matzah, and Maror is one of the most important parts of the Seder. Mentioning the reason for these three Mitzvot cleanses us of impurity and draws us close to holiness. Inspire your family and friends, "Now we will be able to fulfil each one of these Mitzvot with holiness, joy, and closeness to HaShem." (Based on the commentary of the M'Harashah to Pesachim 117)
The Salant Foundation is currently looking for a Shul or community to partner with us in sharing the merit of the unique and important Salant Kollel. There are practical and easy ways (such as adoptakollel.org) to create a special mutual relationship between the Kollel and a Shul or community. If you think your Shul or community or workplace might want to participate in supporting the Salant Kollel, please contact Rabbi Zvi Miller at salantorg@gmail.com, and we will discuss how to implement your idea. Thank you! |
L"N R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph. R' Maair Ben R' Yakutiel Javayeer z"tl
Refuah Shleimah
Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta
Riva bas Henya
Zivia bas Raizel
Tzvi ben Chana Leah Hadassah bas Michal ChanaChava Bas Michal ChanahChaya Harriet Bat Sophie Lee Mazal Malkah Mollie Bas Sarah Yakir Efraim Ben Rachel Devora
Chaya Leah bas Sara Chaya Shaina Chana Bas Itcha
Netanel Ilan ben Shayna Tzipora
Shumel Ben Navat
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