Pesach - Lessons from a baby

The verses describe the leaving of Egypt as the “birth of the Jewish nation”[1].

This can be why we give so much attention to the ‘child’ during the Seder. Numerous steps are taken to catch the kids’ attention, to get them involved. Maybe we are the child.

We were children in terms of time and merits. Yes, it was the beginning of the life of the Jewish people, but we were also on a low spiritual level[2]. We grew through the 49 following days, until we were ‘mature’ enough to receive the Torah by Mount Sinai.

Possibly, this ‘child’ should not only be viewed in the negative, but has positive qualities we can learn from.

Egypt in Hebrew is “Mitzraim”. The word means boundaries. We are taught[3] that we must leave our “mitzraim” - our limitations. We can’t be satisfied with what we are doing. We need to do more even if it’s beyond our comfort zone. We have the ability to do more, because our soul has unlimited powers – it’s a part of G-d.

This is a lesson we can learn from the child. It has no boundaries. It thinks that its parents can do nine things at one time – NOW! The child has passion, expression and life! His opinions are clear; nothing gets in his way. He does all this and doesn’t get anyone upset because he’s cute.

Maybe we can learn from the child.


[1] Yechezkal Ch. 16
[2] Tanya Ch. 31
[3] Tanya Ch. 47

Parshas Tzav - Sacrifice of the mind

The mind runs wild.  Can one control his thoughts?  If there's an image that’s not to be seen, you can close your eyes.  One can just stick a finger in his ears if he doesn't want to hear something. If you want to blab out something stupid – bite your tongue.  The mind on the other hand is more difficult to manage [1].

The Zohar [2](and other commentaries[3])opine that there was a special sacrifice brought to atone for improper thoughts.  The name of the offering was- Olah. 

R' Bachya Ibn Pekudah - the Bechaya [4]makes some interesting comments regarding the Olah, he says: "the word "olah" is translated to mean exalted.  It surpasses all of the other sacrifices, for it atones for the mind's thoughts, (and the mind is the most important part of a person)...The sacrifice burned all night for it atones for sinful thoughts (that often occur at night)...”.

What can one do if a sinful thought arises?  Here are some suggestions:

1) "Thought is a garment and servant of the intellect and emotions.  Even when it is not serving the intellect or emotions, it continues to function, thinking and meditating. However, this activity is then not only devoid of content, but also open to depravement... It is explained that alien or evil thoughts are caused by "emptiness of the head."  For when the mind is occupied, the thought has something to serve, and there is no room for stupid and vain thoughts devoid of substance – Rebbe[5].

2) If the idol thoughts arise during prayer, looking at the words in the prayer book(instead of praying by heart), helps one focus, and diverts the mind from wandering - Rebbe[6].

3) In addition, adding more enthusiasm and passion to his words of prayer help 'burn' away disturbing thoughts - Rebbe Rayatz[7].

[1] See Mayone Shel Torah Tzav in the name of the Sichos Tzadikim. Cf. Tanya Lekutei Amarim Ch. 28, Igers HaTeshuvah Ch. 7

[2] Tzav 29b in the name of R’Chiya

[3] Medrash Tanchuma Tzav 6 and others

[4] First half of the eleventh century

[5] Hayom Yom 16 Cheshvan

[6] Igros Kodesh vol. 7 p. 362

[7] Sefer Hamamorim Kuntreisim vol. 1 p. 544