Pesach - Humble Matzah - 2016
The Jews were slaves in Egypt for 210 years. Generation after generation toiled at back breaking work. When Moshe first approached Pharaoh, things got worse. But within the year there was a Geula accompanied by miracles that we recount each year on Pesach.
A similar pattern happened to Yoseph. First he was sold into slavery. After the incident with Potiphar’s wife, things got worse and he was thrown into the dungeon. When things seemed to reach rock bottom, there was a Yeshua and he became one of the most powerful men in the world.
What is the meaning of this pattern – going down, and then even further down, before a redemption? Perhaps the tough times contribute to humility that helps us earn the redemption. In addition, perhaps Hashem wants to arm us with humility so that we are less likely to feel pride and arrogance when the redemption arrives.
This humility – that helps us deserve and deal with the redemption – is symbolized by Matzah, lechem oni, poor bread. Whenever things are tough, let us appreciate that the hard times help us feel humble so that we can be worthy of a Geula, and be more able to handle the Geula, when it comes, with less pride and arrogance. We should never give up hope during tough times, and we should see that hard times are often a prelude and a preparation for a redemption.
On the other hand, during good times and celebration we should be cautious about the rising feeling within us, similar to Chometz. The Jews at Sinai experienced direct communication with the Creator of the Universe when Hashem gave us the Torah, the greatest gift that Man has ever received. At the very peak of excitement, the heady feeling turned into the tragedy of the golden calf, and they fell from the heights to the depths.
About a year later the Jews built the holy and beautiful Mishkan, through which they could dialogue with the Schenah. On the day of its dedication, a fire descended from Shamayim consuming the sacrifice on the altar. The Jews were filled with awe and excitement. This was immediately followed by the enormous tragedy of the deaths of Nadav and Aviyu, two of the four sons of Aharon the Kohain Godol.
The lesson is that during times of celebration and joy, we must remember the humility of Matzah, and watch our step and be careful not to be filled with pride that can turn celebration into disaster.
Mishelay says, “Pride comes before disaster and arrogance before a fall.” During tough times we should appreciate how Hashem is flattening us like Matzah so that we can deal with and be worthy of the cups of wine of the Geula. During times of success and celebration, we should try to feel the humility of Matzah, so we can ward off the arrogance that can make high times crash.
Chometz represents the pride that comes with the heady feeling of success. The humility of the poor bread of Matzah leaves within us more room for Hashem to fill our lives. During tough times let us appreciate the gift of humility that Hashem is facilitating. During good times, let us take care and watch out for the pride that Chometz represents, and remember the importance of the humility of Matzah.