Pesach and Geulah

From today's Hakhel email:

Special Note Seven: The Vilna Gaon and the Maaseh Nissim Haggadah teach that the Geulah from Egypt was called “Chairus Olam--eternal freedom”--because the Geulah of Egypt was the root of, and source for, all future Redemptions. When one does Teshuva, he must always look back to the source, to the beginnings, of the avaira in order to uproot and destroy his connection to it. Similarly, when yearning for our own final Geulah, we must study and review how our initial Geulah came about and what happened--in order to properly connect to it. This being the case, one can never learn enough of the Haggadah, its discussions and its teachings. While intellectually one may know the ten Makkos by heart (including details from the Medrashim), shoot off the four reasons that we were redeemed, or list in perfect chronological order the Mitzvos we have on the Seder night, this is simply not enough. Even if we “know it all”, we must come back year after year to the same concepts, the same lessons, and even to the same words, so that we continue to emotionally internalize Geulah through continuously developing a greater spirit of faith and belief in Hashem within us (See Michtav M’Eliyahu, Volume 4, Page 249). The night of the Seder, with the uplifting four kosos, the Matzoh, the paradoxical Korech, the amazing Haggadah, and the unrestrained Hallel, is given to us by Hashem to continuously expand this spirit of Cheirus Olam within us.

As we move closer towards the Seder, our heightened feelings and awareness of Geulah should move us towards a greater appreciation of Cheirus Olam. As we study the Haggadah and its various interpretations, we should literally feel energized, elevated and uplifted. One should be ever on the real alert to apply the Haggadah’s teachings to our current Golus, and to our anxiously anticipated and awaited Geulah--may it come speedily and in our days. Remember this key phrase as we steadily rise to the occasion of Pesach--it is Cheirus Olam!!

Chodesh Tov! Some notes from Hakhel on today's deep significance

Special Note Four: Today is one of the most renowned days in the Torah, as, once again, we read last week, Hashem taught Moshe Rabbeinu on this day-- “HaChodesh HaZeh Lochem Rosh Chadoshim--This month is the first month to you of the year…” (Shemos 12:2).

The Gemara (Shabbos 87B) teaches that Rosh Chodesh Nissan took “Eser Ataros”--ten separate and distinct crowns--for ten unique events that happened on this day, which include the first day of the Avodah--the complete service in the Mishkan, with Aharon and his descendents to serve everlastingly as Kohanim Gedolim and Kohanim. It was also the first day ever of the Shechina descending into the Mishkan, and of fire coming from Heaven to consume the Karbanos.

Additionally, not one or two, but eight different Parshios of the Torah were taught to K’lal Yisroel on this specific day (See Gittin 60A).

The Navi in Yechezkel (45:18) teaches that on THIS DAY the “Miluim”--the consecration of the THIRD BAIS HAMIKDASH will commence. Accordingly, the Siddur Bais Yaakov writes that all who are “Mitzapim L’Yeshua”--await the Redemption--should recite the Pesukim related to the dedication of the Third Beis HaMikdash in Yechezkel, 43:18-27 and 45:18-20.

Indeed, the first 12 days of Nissan, the days of the dedication offerings of the Nesi’im (the princes of the tribes) in the Mishkan, are so powerful that Reb Menachem Mendel of Rimanov taught that in each of these days are inherent an entire month of the year. With true clarity of vision, on each of these 12 days, one can understand what the entire corresponding month will be like. The first day of Nissan provides the clarity for the entire month of Nissan, the time of Redemption.

Today’s Nasi, i.e., the first one to bring Karbonos in the Mishkan, was Nachshon ben Aminadov, who was the same Nasi who jumped into the stormy sea for Geulah. Perhaps the lesson for today is not to be ashamed or hesitant--but to jump in--to give it all that we have, to prepare for--and to bring--the Geulah!

Today is also the first day we can recite the Birchas Ha’Ilanos (list of locations supplied yesterday), upon seeing a blossoming fruit tree (See Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 226 for further details on the proper performance of this Mitzvah). One can show his/her zerizus and chavivus--alacrity and dearness--for this once-a-year Brocha by reciting it as early in the month as possible.

Finally, Rosh Chodesh Nissan is the Rosh Hashana for Shekalim (Rosh Hashana 7A)--the day **NEW** contributions were **REQUIRED** to be used to purchase the daily sacrifices for the Bais Hamikdash (no matter how full the Temple treasury already was). This teaches us that today is the day to start again, with a fresh and new commitment, to utilize the coming days to personally spring and blossom. Let us feel the Special Time in the AIR--and improve and elevate our actions accordingly. The opportunity is oh so blatant--grab on and enjoy!