Page 304 - MOADIM

Moreover, why is Pesach named after Hashem’s “passing over” the Jewish moadey heshana 10 # 26347-EYAL-6
houses, when He could have saved Bnei Yisrael from on High?

Chametz represents desire. This is why it must be categorically eliminated
from our property. Abstaining from chametz throughout Pesach
demonstrates our ability to limit our physical desires during the entire
year.

“Passing over” denotes exertion. By “passing over” the Jewish homes,
Hashem wished to teach us that man was born to toil. It is his choice to
decide in which area he will toil. Will it be in Torah or in indulging his
passions?

Torah and mitzvot will escort a person after his time in this world. One
should expend every effort in these areas. What is the point of increasing
material wealth when it will not remain with him?

“Israel saw the great hand that Hashem
inflicted upon Egypt, and the people revered
Hashem, and they had faith in Hashem and in

Moshe, His servant”
(Shemot 14:31)