Chametz & Matzah
מצה חמצ
Chametz, the forbidden Pesach ingredient, includes bread or grain products that have risen, usually due to yeast or an active rising agent. Countless hours are spent scrubbing, searching and cleaning, in order to ensure that during Pesach our homes are Chametz free.
In his work, the Tzror Hamor, Rabbi Saba explains the Chametz phenomenon from a mystical perspective, making this cumbersome chore meaningful to all of us.
Chametz, spiritually, represents the Yetzer Hora, the Evil Inclination within a person. As with real Chametz; the rising agent within dough only takes a small amount to transform the whole dough, so too the Yetzer Hora.
Jewish teachings constantly emphasize how a person naturally wants to do what's right, to make the right choices in fulfilling Torah and Mitzvot. Yet, the Yetzer Hora, in his goal to derail the individual, is sometimes able to have his way with us.
This lesson is further illustrated by the Hebrew words for Chametz and Matza. In Hebrew, Matza is spelled "Mem, Tzadik, Hei."
The Yetzer Hora's first aim is very simple; change that final letter, the Hei, into a Chet and you have Chametz. A Chet and Hei are very similar, only distinguishable by a small addition the Chet possesses.
However, once that small change takes place, the effect is instant and powerful; causing the innocent Matza, representing the pure state of the individual, into Chametz, the Evil Inclination in action.
In fact, as in the words of Rabbi Sabba, it causes the whole word to now be completely dominated by the Chet, causing it to be Chametz.
Just as the search for real physical Chametz is a tedious and time consuming task, so too is the search for spiritual Chametz. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, whose Birthday is today, the 11th of Nissan, emphasized the importance of this aspect.
Since our goal is to burn and destroy the Chametz within us, we need to carefully search and evaluate what needs to be eliminated, and perhaps more importantly what needs to be kept and strengthened.
That is why we are so preoccupied with Chametz. We want to eliminate the Evil Inclination within us, and celebrate Pesach like Matza, simple and pure.
Chag Pesach Kasher V'Sameach!
Don't forget to sell your Chametz before Pesach can be done on line here:https://chabadorg.clhosting.org/holidays/passover/sell_chometz.htm
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.