Dear Friend,
Phew!
The frenetic energetic fast paced battle against the forces of negativity represented by ‘chametz’ is basically over. The chametz that we had in our possession has either been sold to a non-Jew (for whom it’s perfectly fine to indulge in chametz during this next week), our disposed of in some other way . Now we can relax from the offensive struggle with chametz while keeping our defenses up to make sure we don’t let chametz into our environments and certainly keep it far away from our food supply.
But we are not meant to disengage or stay idle. Not just yet. Now we are free to focus fully on the positive mitzvahs of Pesach which are eating matzah on the first nights of Pesach and telling the story of our redemption. This is what a Passover Seder is all about. Eating Matzah, drinking four cups of wine, telling the story of Exodus and having a great time doing it, this all takes preparation and effort!
So during the few remaining hours till Pesach I urge you to make sure that you have arranged to eat matzah and recount the Exodus. Moreover, don’t just be satisfied with having made sure you will fulfil your obligation, think about who else you know who is Jewish and may not be invited to a Seder or have matzah. If you are in Bangkok, we still have a few spaces at our Seder in the Rembrandt Hotel so please let me know if you or someone you know or someone you don’t know would like to attend. For my readers around the world, hopefully you could still squeeze in one or two more guests around your Passover tables and I urge you to think of someone who may not have a Seder to attend.
May we all have a liberating Passover and be liberated from all things that constrict us, worry us, cause us anxiety or just plain bother us, both physical, emotional and spiritual.
Chag Sameach & Shabbat Shalom
A Kosher and Joyous Pessach to you and your loved ones!
Leshana Habaah BeYerushalayim!!!
Rabbi Yosef Kantor