Pesach Requires More Than Only Cleaning Out Our Chometz,
by Rabbi shmuel gluck:
Every Yom Tov has its expectations. Shavuos’s mission is to increase people’s appreciation, and dependence, on the Torah. Succos’s mission is to increase people’s appreciation of what’s important, and to lessen the value attributed to, and dependence on, Gashmius, physical pleasures. Pesach’s mission is to increase people’s appreciation for Emunah, and their relationship with Hashem.
Very few people appreciate that Pesach is also about personal, and family, growth, in areas of Emunah. Most people dedicate their time, and energy, to cleaning their homes and cars, preparing Divrei Torah for the Seder, and purchasing the necessary items for the Yom Tov. All of these tasks are important, but they shouldn’t be the primary goals.
The following subject may not seem to be directly related to the Seder, but it’s a powerful lesson on the topic of Emunah, and that’s what Pesach is all about.
The Chovas Halvovos (seventh Perek of Shaar Avodas Elokim) lists ten points which people should constantly remember in order to help them “see” the events of their lives in their proper perspective. Without these points, they’ll be unable to appreciate Hashem’s kindness, will be unable to see Hashem’s love for them, and will make it impossible for them to love Hashem. It’ll also be impossible to appreciate the message of Pesach; that Hashem takes care of us, and that we, in return, should listen to him, not as his servants, but as appreciative children.
The Chovas Halvovos’s message is a basic Torah message. Nevertheless, the message is foreign to many people and, when they’re reminded of it, it causes all but a handful of them to “roll” their eyes.
The ten points listed in the Chovas Halvovos are:
1) People shouldn’t allow Hashem’s gifts to cause them to rebel against Him. Many people, for whom life appears to be “working” out, often become complacent and, sometimes, arrogant. Instead of appreciating Hashem they feel entitled, and believe that they deserve whatever they’ve received. When people become complacent, or arrogant, Hashem may replace their successes with challenges. If that happens, they should realize that they’ve failed this point, and acknowledge that their recent problems are a direct result of their mistakes, and not a lack of Hashem’s caring for them.
2) People should constantly verbalize to themselves Hashem’s kindness to them. People should make themselves comfortable in saying under their breath, when the small things work out for them, “What Hashem did was nice”, and when big things work out for them, “What Hashem did now was great”.
Constant repetition is important. Many people have forgotten a powerful tool, friend, or technique, that they considered important, and were certain they’d remember it when they needed it. However, they forgot it because they hadn’t thought about it in a while. Out of sight, out of mind, is true, regardless of its importance. Not mentioning the connection between their success and Hashem, will cause people to forget that connection. Forgetting the connection will cause them to ask “what has Hashem done for me lately”. Such an attitude makes it impossible to appreciate Hashem and guarantees a Seder without any emotional connection to the evening’s message.
3) People should never resort to belittling, or lessening, the significance of Hashem’s kindness, in order to lessen their responsibility to reciprocate it. It isn’t enough to make sure that people don’t forget what Hashem did for them through constant repetition. People don’t want to feel indebted because: 1) It makes them feel that they’re inferior to others; and 2) It requires them to acknowledge that they now “owe” whoever did them a favor. Many people find that it’s easier to deny that they received favors, rather than feel beholden to the one who did the favors. If they can’t deny, or they feel guilty when they deny, they may choose to minimize the scale of the favor.
Despite the short term advantage of denying, or minimizing, what Hashem does for people, the disadvantages greatly exceed the advantages. They’re “mistreating” Hashem and, as a result, they’re lessening their chances for continued success. In addition, choosing to deny Hashem’s kindness, makes them “less”, and not “more”.
4) People shouldn’t credit the middlemen for the kindness done to them.
There are many forms of middlemen who may have helped them, such as employers, relatives, or friends. Other middlemen include the weather, or other “happenings”. Although they may seem random, they’re all Hashem’s tools.
People may have succeeded because of tools, such as wealth, humor, or intelligence that were given to them by Hashem. However, they credit themselves for their successes, believing that they “own” their intelligence, sense of humor, etc. They don’t realize that all of those tools are gifts that are “on loan” from Hashem. Focusing on those middlemen can divert them from appreciating that their success came from Hashem.
Acknowledging that Hashem deserves credit for those successes, should make people realize the number of daily favors that Hashem does for them. Hundreds of both minor, and significant, successes, become gifts, instead of personal successes, making Hashem’s involvement in people’s lives multiply exponentially. Recognizing that Hashem is the biggest part of their lives, should make people more receptive to the miracles discussed during the Seder.
5) People shouldn’t take pride in their successes. Many people like to believe that without their contributions, their successes wouldn’t have been possible. Peoples’ contributions are meaningless. All that matters is whether, or not, Hashem wants the success to take place. Their Hishtadlus, their responsibilities (due to the curse of B’zeias Apecho Tochal Lechem, with the sweat of their face they’ll eat bread) won’t affect the end product, and people should remember that at all times.
6) People shouldn’t assume that continued Hishtadlus guarantees continued Brocho. Hashem’s Brocho, and not people’s Hishtadlus, is what brings success. People should acknowledge that the only “constant” that matters is Hashem’s willingness to give people Brocho. It isn’t their observance of successful business (or any other) practices. Hashem may not “stay constant”, unless people’s positive relationships with Him stay constant. People must remember that even if the relationship stays constant, other factors may decrease their level of Brochos.
7) People shouldn’t think less of those who haven’t had similar successes. People have just acknowledged that success doesn’t depend on how smart they are. Success, or the lack of success, is the result of unknown factors and, therefore, people shouldn’t conclude that they may be better than others.
Many people find it difficult to think positively of poor, unsuccessful, people, as they do of successful people. Realizing that this is wrong, and acting on this realization, takes significant practice, and should become a lifetime, worthwhile, project to undertake.
8) People should sincerely serve Hashem, without the intention of receiving Brocho from Him. This may be a difficult concept to keep in mind. Brocho comes to those who serve Hashem sincerely. Nevertheless, sincerity will require people to forget Brocho, and serve Hashem without any concern for Brocho. This would then increase their Brocho. This may seem to be circular, or contradictory, reasoning, and will create a responsibility for people to “split” their thoughts. They’ll need to be aware that serving Hashem brings Brocho, but they should also be unconcerned with whether the Brocho will be sent to them.
9) People should compare themselves to those who have less Brocho, and more Mitzvohs, than to those who have the reverse. The nature of people is to try to lessen their responsibilities. They do this by comparing themselves to people who do fewer Mitzvohs. Another aspect of people’s nature is to always want more good things. However, they can only expect more without feeling like ingrates if they convince themselves that they have less than others.
Comparing themselves to those with more Brocho, and less Mitzvohs, will lead people to be unhappy, unfulfilled, and resentful. Instead, people should focus on what makes them content, focused, and motivated, to do what’s expected of them, by comparing themselves to those who have less Brocho, and more Mitzvohs.
10) People shouldn’t believe that since they’ve received Brocho until now, Hashem will continue to give it to them, Hashem may have shown His patience with their nonperformance of Mitzvohs, but that can change. If their Brocho isn’t the result of their actions, it may end at any moment. People must remember that they really don’t know to why they’re receiving Brocho. This should keep people “on edge”, make sure they don’t become complacent, and be vigilant to continually grow.
In closure, the goal of Pesach, and specifically the Sedorim, is an enormous challenge, especially if people intend for the newly found Emunah to “stay” with them for life. While personal growth will vary with the individual, people should recognize their mission, challenge, and opportunity.
Wishing everyone a meaningful Pesach
Very few people appreciate that Pesach is also about personal, and family, growth, in areas of Emunah. Most people dedicate their time, and energy, to cleaning their homes and cars, preparing Divrei Torah for the Seder, and purchasing the necessary items for the Yom Tov. All of these tasks are important, but they shouldn’t be the primary goals.
The following subject may not seem to be directly related to the Seder, but it’s a powerful lesson on the topic of Emunah, and that’s what Pesach is all about.
The Chovas Halvovos (seventh Perek of Shaar Avodas Elokim) lists ten points which people should constantly remember in order to help them “see” the events of their lives in their proper perspective. Without these points, they’ll be unable to appreciate Hashem’s kindness, will be unable to see Hashem’s love for them, and will make it impossible for them to love Hashem. It’ll also be impossible to appreciate the message of Pesach; that Hashem takes care of us, and that we, in return, should listen to him, not as his servants, but as appreciative children.
The Chovas Halvovos’s message is a basic Torah message. Nevertheless, the message is foreign to many people and, when they’re reminded of it, it causes all but a handful of them to “roll” their eyes.
The ten points listed in the Chovas Halvovos are:
1) People shouldn’t allow Hashem’s gifts to cause them to rebel against Him. Many people, for whom life appears to be “working” out, often become complacent and, sometimes, arrogant. Instead of appreciating Hashem they feel entitled, and believe that they deserve whatever they’ve received. When people become complacent, or arrogant, Hashem may replace their successes with challenges. If that happens, they should realize that they’ve failed this point, and acknowledge that their recent problems are a direct result of their mistakes, and not a lack of Hashem’s caring for them.
2) People should constantly verbalize to themselves Hashem’s kindness to them. People should make themselves comfortable in saying under their breath, when the small things work out for them, “What Hashem did was nice”, and when big things work out for them, “What Hashem did now was great”.
Constant repetition is important. Many people have forgotten a powerful tool, friend, or technique, that they considered important, and were certain they’d remember it when they needed it. However, they forgot it because they hadn’t thought about it in a while. Out of sight, out of mind, is true, regardless of its importance. Not mentioning the connection between their success and Hashem, will cause people to forget that connection. Forgetting the connection will cause them to ask “what has Hashem done for me lately”. Such an attitude makes it impossible to appreciate Hashem and guarantees a Seder without any emotional connection to the evening’s message.
3) People should never resort to belittling, or lessening, the significance of Hashem’s kindness, in order to lessen their responsibility to reciprocate it. It isn’t enough to make sure that people don’t forget what Hashem did for them through constant repetition. People don’t want to feel indebted because: 1) It makes them feel that they’re inferior to others; and 2) It requires them to acknowledge that they now “owe” whoever did them a favor. Many people find that it’s easier to deny that they received favors, rather than feel beholden to the one who did the favors. If they can’t deny, or they feel guilty when they deny, they may choose to minimize the scale of the favor.
Despite the short term advantage of denying, or minimizing, what Hashem does for people, the disadvantages greatly exceed the advantages. They’re “mistreating” Hashem and, as a result, they’re lessening their chances for continued success. In addition, choosing to deny Hashem’s kindness, makes them “less”, and not “more”.
4) People shouldn’t credit the middlemen for the kindness done to them.
There are many forms of middlemen who may have helped them, such as employers, relatives, or friends. Other middlemen include the weather, or other “happenings”. Although they may seem random, they’re all Hashem’s tools.
People may have succeeded because of tools, such as wealth, humor, or intelligence that were given to them by Hashem. However, they credit themselves for their successes, believing that they “own” their intelligence, sense of humor, etc. They don’t realize that all of those tools are gifts that are “on loan” from Hashem. Focusing on those middlemen can divert them from appreciating that their success came from Hashem.
Acknowledging that Hashem deserves credit for those successes, should make people realize the number of daily favors that Hashem does for them. Hundreds of both minor, and significant, successes, become gifts, instead of personal successes, making Hashem’s involvement in people’s lives multiply exponentially. Recognizing that Hashem is the biggest part of their lives, should make people more receptive to the miracles discussed during the Seder.
5) People shouldn’t take pride in their successes. Many people like to believe that without their contributions, their successes wouldn’t have been possible. Peoples’ contributions are meaningless. All that matters is whether, or not, Hashem wants the success to take place. Their Hishtadlus, their responsibilities (due to the curse of B’zeias Apecho Tochal Lechem, with the sweat of their face they’ll eat bread) won’t affect the end product, and people should remember that at all times.
6) People shouldn’t assume that continued Hishtadlus guarantees continued Brocho. Hashem’s Brocho, and not people’s Hishtadlus, is what brings success. People should acknowledge that the only “constant” that matters is Hashem’s willingness to give people Brocho. It isn’t their observance of successful business (or any other) practices. Hashem may not “stay constant”, unless people’s positive relationships with Him stay constant. People must remember that even if the relationship stays constant, other factors may decrease their level of Brochos.
7) People shouldn’t think less of those who haven’t had similar successes. People have just acknowledged that success doesn’t depend on how smart they are. Success, or the lack of success, is the result of unknown factors and, therefore, people shouldn’t conclude that they may be better than others.
Many people find it difficult to think positively of poor, unsuccessful, people, as they do of successful people. Realizing that this is wrong, and acting on this realization, takes significant practice, and should become a lifetime, worthwhile, project to undertake.
8) People should sincerely serve Hashem, without the intention of receiving Brocho from Him. This may be a difficult concept to keep in mind. Brocho comes to those who serve Hashem sincerely. Nevertheless, sincerity will require people to forget Brocho, and serve Hashem without any concern for Brocho. This would then increase their Brocho. This may seem to be circular, or contradictory, reasoning, and will create a responsibility for people to “split” their thoughts. They’ll need to be aware that serving Hashem brings Brocho, but they should also be unconcerned with whether the Brocho will be sent to them.
9) People should compare themselves to those who have less Brocho, and more Mitzvohs, than to those who have the reverse. The nature of people is to try to lessen their responsibilities. They do this by comparing themselves to people who do fewer Mitzvohs. Another aspect of people’s nature is to always want more good things. However, they can only expect more without feeling like ingrates if they convince themselves that they have less than others.
Comparing themselves to those with more Brocho, and less Mitzvohs, will lead people to be unhappy, unfulfilled, and resentful. Instead, people should focus on what makes them content, focused, and motivated, to do what’s expected of them, by comparing themselves to those who have less Brocho, and more Mitzvohs.
10) People shouldn’t believe that since they’ve received Brocho until now, Hashem will continue to give it to them, Hashem may have shown His patience with their nonperformance of Mitzvohs, but that can change. If their Brocho isn’t the result of their actions, it may end at any moment. People must remember that they really don’t know to why they’re receiving Brocho. This should keep people “on edge”, make sure they don’t become complacent, and be vigilant to continually grow.
In closure, the goal of Pesach, and specifically the Sedorim, is an enormous challenge, especially if people intend for the newly found Emunah to “stay” with them for life. While personal growth will vary with the individual, people should recognize their mission, challenge, and opportunity.
Wishing everyone a meaningful Pesach
The author can be contacted at shmuelgluck@areivim.com
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