Date: Sun, 16 Apr 2000 09:42:10 +0300 (IDT)
B"H

                                     "Path Markers"
                                         Pesach:
                                By: Yaacov Silverstein
                           e@mail: hm16@popeye.cc.biu.ac.il
                       HomePage: http://faculty.biu.ac.il/~hm16/
                                       Year:  5760

This Years Parsha Series is prepared in the memory and merit of:
 My grandfather:  Rav Yitzchak Zev Ben Yisroel Mordechai Hakohen Solomon Z"L 
 
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For more Divrei Torah and Halachos on Pesach, please go to my site at:

http://faculty.biu.ac.il/~hm16  and press on the Pesach picture. Or: 
http://faculty.biu.ac.il/~hm16/links/pesachlinks.htm

I hope to be able to send out the next Dvar Torah B"H on Isru Chag in Israel, which is still YomTov in the USA (Thursday) so
you will get it in time for Friday. (Parshas Achrei Mos)



We know that Pesach is called "Zman Cheiruseinu" (the time of our freedom).
Pesach is the time which we were redeemed from Mitzrayim (Egypt).  The main theme of Pesach is the exodus from Mitzrayim.  "We
were slaves, but now we are free."

What is meant by freedom?

Freedom is usually used when one has the freedom of choice.  The ability to choose from as many options which one has
available, and being able to make the choice as one wishes.  
Freedom can also mean the ability to pursue one's path which one would like to take in life, without anyone preventing them,
and with no restrictions.

The freedom which we celebrate on Pesach, is the ability to pursue our path of Divine service.  In Mitzrayim, we were
prevented from attaining spiritual growth, the Exodus from Egypt gave us back the ability to attain spirtual growth without
any restrictions.

We find this freedom also in nature, at this time of the year.  Spring is when the animals emerge from their hibernation and
the birds return from their migration.  Spring is when the natural world springs free, unhindered by any restrictions to
growth.

The meaning behind Mitzrayim:
----------------------------

The word Mitzrayim comes from the root Meitzar, which signifies boundary and restriction.  This expresses the nature of the
Egyptian exile.
When we call Pesach "the time of our freedom", we are not only referring to a past event.  For Pesach is always a time of the
year, when a person can attain a special level of spiritual freedom.  By telling over the story of the Exodus, we are also to
resolve to continue our ever going battle with our Yetzer Hara (Evil Inclination).  Instead of just celebrating a historical
event, we can use this YomTov as a reminder to continue fighting our fight for spiritual freedom.

Removing the chains of slavery:
------------------------------

Slavery rarely gives a person time for thinking about life, and philosophizing about what is expected from him in this world.

Freedom gives a person a chance to think about the meaning of life.

Many of us are so involved in the physical world, whether its studying for a degree, or working long hours in demanding jobs,
which doesn't give a person the time to think.  We become slaves, in our case, willfully, and we forget what real freedom is. 

Freedom does not mean to act recklessly with no constraints by rejecting any authority.  Freedom is to be able to act the way
one is expected to act, without costraints.  Living a Jewish way of life, represents true freedom.

Pesach Kasher V'Samayach to all!!

(Seasons of Life, Rav E. Dessler, ) 
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 I would like to thank my mother (S.M.F) for helping me out by looking over the first draft.

(The above Halacha is not Psak, it is there to try to help to increase
ones Torah awareness, for final Psak, please consult your : Local Reliable
Orthodox Rabbi.)


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