Shabbat Hagadol
As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
The most basic idea of Passover is that Hashem took Us, His Nation, out of 210 years of bondage in Egypt. As the pasuk states “Asher hotzetecha me’eretz mitzrayim.” However, the pasuk continues “lehiyot lachem Lelokim,” which means, in order that you will serve Me. From this we see clearly that Hashem took us out of slavery from Egypt in order to serve Him.
The primary lesson and yesod (foundation) which manifests itself on Pesach and on which our Torah is built is Gratitude, Hakarat Hatov. Recognizing and acknowledging all of the tremendous gifts of kindliness that Hashem is bestowing upon us and our families.
This underlying principle is realized right in the first of the Ten Commandments which was heard by our Nation directly from Hashem. “I am Hashem your G-d that took you forth from Egypt from the house of slaves.”
The question is asked, why didn’t Hashem introduce Himself as “the Creator of heaven and earth?” Because the Bnei Yisrael did not witness the Creation of the Universe. We did experience slavery and brutal treatment at the hands of the Egyptians for 210 years. The scars were still fresh on our backs and on our children.
It is for these reasons, and in order to teach us the great principle of feeling Gratitude to the Benefactor who has redeemed us, that Hashem connects the time of the birth of our Nation and our redemption from Egypt to the First Commandment.
Hakarat Hatov, Gratitude, is at the root of all true service of Hashem.
Just keep in mind that your body, your mind, your parents, children and wife, all of your possessions, the ability to make a living and your soul/life have all been given to you as gifts from Hashem. The purpose is to recognize these special gifts and scrutinize them as you would any diamond. Now you are ready to Thank Hashem every day for 120 years in many ways, the minimum being through observance of His Torah and Mitzvot.
Tizku Leshanim Rabot
Pesach Sameyach
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