Dvar Torah for Pesach

Based on Likutey MoHaran I, Lesson #84

Even if you are not the one in charge of getting your home ready for Pesach, you are certainly aware that the clock is ticking down and Pesach is rapidly approaching. In Likutey MoHaran II, Lesson #1 Rebbe Nachman teaches that each of the three chagim (holidays) brings with it a special mochin (awareness) that enables one to resist the blandishments of this world. The *mochin* of Pesach help us in our battle against money-lust.

"The students asked Rebbe Nechunya ben HaKaneh, ‘How did you merit to live such a long life?’ ‘I was openhanded with my money’" (Megilah 28b). Rebbe Nachman offers the following explanation as to why being openhanded should result in living a long life. The holy Zohar (3:123a) teaches that each weekday contains unique good. However, there is a wall surrounding that good to prevent those unworthy from getting to it. The good is the secrets of the Torah; the wall is nothing other than the "snakes and scorpions" of confusion and distraction that exist in one’s own mind.

Rebbe Nachman writes that we can break down the wall by emulating Avraham Avinu (Abraham our Patriarch). The primary trait of Avraham Avinu was love. He expressed his love for his fellow human beings by performing countless deeds of charity and kindness. In particular, Avraham Avinu was noted for offering hospitality to travelers. (The Torah teaches us that Avraham Avinu even went so far as to slaughter three bulls in order to feed each of three guest the choicest cuts of meat [Rashi on Genesis 18:7]). In order to perform all these acts of kindness, he had to be generous with his money. As a result of living the love that he felt for humanity, Avraham Avinu became immersed in the Right Side, the source of a clear mind (Tikuney Zohar 70).

You and I perhaps cannot reach Avraham Avinu’s level of generosity, but we can try. We may not have his opportunities to help travelers or the indigent, but there are other ways in which we can do charity. Reb Noson writes:

"One has to be nice to all people. With those whom one does business one must do so pleasantly, in a friendly manner. One ought to do favors for others even if it costs money, the way [Rebbe Nechunya] did. Behavior of this sort is a form of charity and kindness. One who is generous in his relationships with others will gain the sincere affection of many people" (Likutey Halakhot, Hilkhot Toan v’Nitan 5:2).

(Rounding up a tip for a waiter or having a delivery boy "keep the change" are small examples of this sort of charity.)

God told Avraham Avinu that we would be enslaved in Egypt, that there would be enormous walls to keep us away from good. God also told him that we would leave Egypt "with great wealth" (Genesis 15:13-14). Before Pesach we have the opportunity to create the wealth that is the key to freedom by giving kimcha d’Pischa (literally, "flour for Pesach," i.e., charity for Pesach expenses), and by spending what is necessary to create an appropriate holiday atmosphere in the home. At the Seder itself we also express our love for others when we extend the invitation "kol dikhfin yeisei v’yeikhel" ("Any one who needs, come and eat").

May we enjoy a Pesach with a wealth of friendship, clear thinking, and (why not?) money, too. Amen!

agutn Shabbos!
Shabbat Shalom!