Deepening our Connection
Harav Mendel Senderovic, Shlit”a
Rosh Kollel
At the Seder, we describe how the Torah teaches us how to respond to four types of children. The wise son asks: “"מה העדות והחוקים והמשפטים אשר צוה ה' אלקינו אתכם – “What are these testimonies, statutes, and ordinances that Hashem has commanded you?” And we answer him “according to the laws of the Pesach – we may not partake of Afikoman after eating the Pesach.” What is the meaning of this exchange?
The K’sav Sofer explains this with a parable that his father, the Chasam Sofer, would tell to distinguish between two types of people who perform the Mitzva of Tzitzis. It is a universal custom that when two friends part ways, they leave each other with a memento of their friendship – a picture or some other personal item. The objective, of course, is to ensure that they don’t forget one another. However, if the parting is between a mother and her dear child, a gift is not needed to ensure that he won’t be forgotten. His memory is forever etched on her heart, and her love for him is constant. Nevertheless, there is use for a memento She holds onto a picture, or a lock of his hair, so that when her feelings of longing grow intense, she can assuage them by gazing at the keepsake.
So, too, it is with the Mitzva of Tzitzis. The Torah says: "וראיתם אותו וזכרתם" – “You shall see them and remember.” This is for those people that need a constant reminder of Hashem’s presence.
Hashem commands them to tie Tzitzis on their garments so that they should be cognizant of Hashem and His commandments. However, the truly righteous person does not forget Hashem. All his thoughts and actions are already for the sake of Hashem. He doesn’t need a reminder. For him, the Tzitzis serve as a source for deeper contemplation and closer connection to Hashem – seeing how the blue wool resembles the sea, which resembles the heavens, which resembles Hashem’s Throne of Glory.
Likewise, the K’sav Sofer explains, the wise son rhetorically asks: “What are these statutes that Hashem has commanded you?” I am the wise son who is constantly and forever conscious of Hashem’s kindness. I don’t have a need for reminders!”
To this we respond that if the Pesach was merely a reminder, the wise son would be correct. Remembering the exodus once a year would suffice that it never be forgotten, and, indeed, the wise son, who has Hashem in the forefront of his thoughts, would not need the reminder at all.
However, we explain, the objective is not merely to remember, but to relive and reexperience; to deepen our connection. אין מפטירין אחר הפסח אפיקומן – after the Pesach has long been eaten, its taste still lingers on our tongues. It is our deep love of Hashem and appreciation of His kindness that behooves us to never let the taste dissipate from our mouths.
May we all merit that, through performing the Mitzvos of the Seder, we stay forever conscious of Hashem in all our thoughts and actions, and continue to deepen our understanding of His ever-present kindness. Have a wonderful Pesach!
