Page 12 - cRc Pesach Guide 2021

From the Desk of

Rabbi Yona Reiss, Av Beth Din

One of the mitzvot that we fulfill at the Pesach Seder is and so that we would demonstrate greater faith in G-d
that of Hasebah – of reclining in our seats, especially as amidst adversity to be worthy of eventually receiving the
we eat the matzah and drink the four cups of wine, to Torah. So, too, even the poorest person who suffers from
demonstrate our status as free people, exalted in stature many trials and tribulations must recline to demonstrate
by the Almighty (see Pesachim 108a, Orach Chaim 472). his faith that G-d’s deliverance can come in the “blink of
The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 20:18) derives this obligation an eye.” Similarly, we, as a nation, recline even in modern-
from the verse at the beginning of Parshat Beshalach day exile to remind ourselves that our vicissitudes are a
(Shemot 13:18) which uses the word “VaYasev” (containing prelude towards redemption, just as in the days of our
the same root as Hasebah) to describe how G-d “turned” exodus from Egypt.
the Jewish people in the direction of the wilderness This message is especially pertinent as we prepare to
towards the Sea of Reeds following the exodus from celebrate our second Pesach during the Coronavirus
Egypt. The Midrash comments that “so too, our Rabbis pandemic. This period has been extraordinarily challenging
declare that even the poorest Jew may not eat on Pesach and painful, and yet we still perform Hasebah at our Pesach
until he “turns” in his seat, just as G-d had us turn [when Seder, reclining like royalty as a demonstration of our
we left Egypt].”
faith and commitment to the Almighty. The Pesach Seder
Rabbi Yonasan Sacks, shlit”a, in his Haggadah commentary serves as the eternal reminder that regardless of the tests
“Chazon L’Yamin” explains, based on the commentary of that surround us, G-d watches over us and remains poised
Rabbeinu Chananel, that the point of this Midrash is that to deliver us from our suffering at a moment’s notice.
G-d made our journey more circuitous and complicated, L’Shana Haba’ah B’Yerushalayim – may we rejoice together
so that He could perform more miracles on our behalf, next year in Jerusalem.

PESACH… WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

Our wise Sages of the Mishnah teach us, “In every generation March 27, 2021, and ends outside of Israel at the conclusion
one must consider himself as if he left Egypt.” Unlike other of the 22nd day of Nissan, Sunday, April 4, 2021.
Jewish holidays, where we commemorate a particular miracle Our Av Beth Din and Dayanim have reviewed the content
or event, on Pesach it’s our duty to transport ourselves to to make sure this Guide meets halachic standards, and our
over 3,300 years ago, as slaves to Pharaoh in the land of Rabbis and staff have spent countless hours researching,
Egypt. In the words of the Rambam, “one must show himself writing, editing, and designing to make this information
as though he actually has left Egypt.” On a practical level, available for you to read, use, and enjoy.
families throughout the world get together at the Pesach
Seder, we get rid of our chametz, we eat flat matzah, called To get up-to-the-minute information about Pesach products
lechem oni, bread of affliction, and we eat maror, the bitter and so much more, visit our websites at www.crcweb.org and
herbs, that give us a taste of the bitter life of a slave. Indeed, www.askcRc.org; download our free app, cRc Kosher Guide;
every Pesach grants us the opportunity to share the beauty and follow us on Twitter and Facebook – @cRcKosher. In print
of our Torah, and the freedom we have always fought to and online, we’re your Kosher Community Connection!
protect. It’s our sincerest prayer that our observance of Hashem’s
This year Pesach begins with the first Seder on the eve of redemption of our People more than 3,300 years ago will lead
the 15th day of Nissan, corresponding to Saturday evening, to the Ultimate Redemption in 5781. E

10 www.ASKcRc.org / www.cRcweb.org cRc Pesach Guide Introduction