VOLUME 110 NUMBER 6
Nissan 25, 5784
May 3, 2024
PARSHAS ACHAREI MOS
Candlelighting Time 7:38 PM
We unfortunately leave the majestic and uplifting Yom Tov of Pesach and begin the counting of the Omer slowly but surely preparing ourselves for Shavuos. However, perhaps we should consider the possibility that although Pesach leaves us we should not leave Pesach. In other words, what can we continue to carry within us once we finish eating matzah and we again enter the world of chametz?
The end of the parsha focuses heavily on the topic of illegal relationships. Those halachos are prefaced with the warning that we should not mimic the despicable behavior of the Egyptians nor the Caananites. Can we imagine somebody wishing to pursue those types of activities when we just witnessed the total destruction of the Egyptian empire and its powerful armed forces? Also, even though we had not yet viewed the Caananites’ depravity, certainly, one can perceive through the strong warning that we should not imitate them, that their conduct is substandard. Is there a strong possibility that we would indeed decide to follow in their footsteps and adopt a lifestyle that is antithetic to the Torah’s way of life?
Also, the Torah stresses at this time that we should do the regular mitzvos and observe the statutes, the ones that do not seem logical or perhaps even irrational. Furthermore, we are commanded to ‘do’ the mitzvos that are more rational but observe the others. Why is the terminology altered between these two themes?
There has always been the struggle between the rational and irrational. In other words, can and should we commit to a protocol and theme that based upon our feeble-mindedness doesn’t hold water? Kedushas Levi, the Berditcheve Rebbe advances an incredible insight into our mindset. If a person is devoted and loyal to observe those mitzvos which are beyond the scope of the human mind to clearly grasp, then that same individual will have the willpower and fortitude to perform all mitzvos including those that seem very rational and sensible. However, if one is obstinate and decides to ignore those mitzvos which are seemingly difficult to understand, then even the mitzvos which clearly have meaning and substance to them will fall by the roadside. Although the question remains why should that be so? He explains that when a person fulfills the mitzvos, he purifies his soul and subsequently his entire being transforms into an absolutely enriched and superior thinking individual. Therefore, the Torah states that we should observe and regard the mitzvos which are more thought-provoking to accept with tremendous attentiveness. When we accomplish that goal and objective, then we will be on a trajectory of realization that performance of Hashem’s will is the ultimate success in life that one can accomplish.
And that is precisely the enduring message that the Yom Tov of Pesach conveys to us. Once the nation bought in and dedicated themselves to looked heavenward for their salvation from their Egyptian taskmasters, then the ensuing dismantling of the Egyptian dominion was automatically already in place and prepared to occur. And this is what the Haggadah states that in every generation we are confronted with adversaries that are more powerful and formidable then we are, yet we prevail and effectively move forward! When we are connected to Hashem nothing can hinder our progress in elevating our status as the people of Hashem and if we decidedly abandon our rich legacy and heritage then we are indeed doomed!
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
We are compared to a rose amongst the thorns. The rose is somewhat damaged from the thistles that protrude from the thorns. So too, we were somewhat impaired from our exposure to Egyptian society. How where we able to escape and retain our level of purity. That is the incredible nature of our connection to Hashem that no matter what forces are thrust upon us, we do not sacrifice our station in life as fully dedicated to Hashem’s convictions.
S’FAS EMES
GOOD SHABBOS
AS WE LEAVE THE HOLINESS OF PESACH WE ARE CONFRONTED WITH THOSE ATTEMPTING TO CONDEMN OUR ABILITY TO PROTECT OURSELVES. OF COURSE, IN THE END, THEY WILL SEE THE TRUTH. HOWEVER, UNTIL THEN, WE WHO HOLD THE KEY TO LIFE’S QUESTIONS CLEARLY UNDERSTAND THAT OUR ONLY RELIANCE IS UPON HASHEM. WE HAVE WITHSTOOD OUR ADVERSARIES WITH THE POWER OF HASHEM AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE THAT ADVANTAGE. HOWEVER, WE MUST PERSEVERE AND REALIZE THAT ONLY HASHEM’S WORD PREVAILS AND THAT IS OUR SAVING GRACE.
