Dvar Torah for Parshat Bo 5766

Based on Likutey Halakhot Purim 6:6, 9

[The *korban Pesach* (Paschal offering) shall be] an unblemished male yearling...either from sheep or goats...they [the Jews] will eat its roasted meat... (Exodus 12:5, 8).

Reb Noson asks, why specifically from sheep or goats, and why specifically roasted? He points out that sheep and goats are "money makers" (see Rashi on Deuteronomy 28:18). The lamb was one of the major idols of ancient Egypt. Money, Rebbe Nachman teaches, is the whole world's major idol. Every form and manifestation of idol worship includes the worship of money to a greater or lesser degree. Therefore, in order to prepare for the worship of God, our ancestors had to bring the *korban Pesach* from a lamb (or a kid) in order to divest themselves of all idol worship.

The "worship" of money aggravates our infantile egocentricity. Being denied or frustrated at not making or losing money, makes us angry. Often one's whole approach to adding his material can be described by the word "ferocious."

Thus, the mitzvah to roast the *korban Pesach*. Your natural ferociousness is there, writes Reb Noson. The Torah is teaching us that if and when we God forbid feel anger or rage building up within, to put into words— even screams —of prayer. Use the fire to serve and come closer to God, rather than to serve an idol that enslaves you.

agutn Shabbos!
Shabbat Shalom!