Page 49 - HaMizrachi Pesach 5782 USA

eating cod oil: burdensome, unpleasant One definition of the word Pesach If our Seder table not only features
and requiring something enticing to is “to grasp”. On Seder night we feel plastic frogs and preschool projects
motivate us to comply. Why should we Hashem holding us tightly just as he but also an authentic sense of personal
embrace an observant life of Torah and held on to and protected each Jewish connection with Hashem, it can
mitzvot? Rewards and incentives – even home in Egypt. This closeness, the way fulfill its primary purpose of passing
the reward of olam haba – are a shallow we can feel the Divine Presence within our greatest gift and source of joy
answer to this question and can leave us at our Seder table, brings us so much – our spiritual heritage – to future
us feeling empty. joy that we break out in song (Hallel). generations.
The words of the haggadah help us
Additionally, what happens when progress in our personal journey. Why do we celebrate the Seder?
the “spoonful of sugar” we offer as We move from feeling enslaved to Because the Seder brings together
a reward for mitzvot is less appealing so many aspects of Jewish life all
than the alluring pleasures of the the limitations of the physical world centered around the greatest reward
to the freedom of connection with
modern, secular world? When rewards transcendence: our relationship with of all: a life of connection with Hashem
and incentives are the primary Hashem. Himself.
motivations for living a Torah life,
we risk losing people who find the Incentives are a wonderful way to Rabbi Reuven Brand is the Rosh Kollel of the
incentives of the broader world more create moments of fun and excitement YU Torah MiTzion Kollel, a community Torah
enticing than our own. Will we lose within Judaism on Pesach and institution with a vibrant Beit Midrash, array
these people from Torah life entirely? throughout the year. But the primary of creative learning opportunities, unique
education we provide our children women’s initiative and diverse outreach
Although incentives surely have a place is through modeling a joyous Torah programming. He lives in Skokie, Illinois
in our overall religious experience, life of connection with Hashem. If with his wife, Nechama, and their five
there is a far more compelling reason children.
to make a Seder, observe Pesach and our children see us truly enjoying
our Torah lives and our relationship
live the life of an engaged and inspired
Torah Jew – a reason found in the Seder with Hashem, it can inspire them.
itself.
Authentic happiness in life can only be
achieved, appreciated and felt when
we live a deeply spiritual existence.
The core message of the Seder is
that each of us lives in an ongoing
relationship with Hashem, the
Creative Force of the universe. Though
we appreciate periodic moments of
fun and excitement, it is our daily
awareness of Hashem’s presence
with us in the everyday details of life
that fills our lives with meaning and
happiness.
Our emunah, our spiritual awareness, is
the source of our self-worth and inner
fulfillment. It nourishes our confidence
and supports us during times of
loneliness and disappointment. Our
mitzvot connect us with Hashem, the
Source of life, which is why the true
reward for a mitzvah is another mitzvah
– another opportunity to connect with
the deepest part of ourselves.

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