As parents or spouses, we often see “afflictions” in members of our households that need correction. Yom tov, and particularly Erev Pesach, can be an especially tense time. But let’s consider how Hashem tells the kohen to turn a blind eye so that the Yid can experience simchas yom tov.
By Rabbi Mordechai Lipskier – The Beis Medrash
A sedra about tzoraas hardly feels like the appropriate topic for Shabbos HaGadol when we are preparing for the grand yom tov of Pesach. But this Friday, the 11th of Nissan, is the Rebbe’s birthday and when we look at things through the Rebbe’s lens things come into focus and look right.
We find a few instances when Hashem says that the kohen should hold off inspecting a metzorah. If tzoraas is seen on someone’s house, the kohen is supposed to give the person time to remove all their items so that they don’t become tamei. Another instance is when the tzoraas appears before yom tov or a chasunah. In these cases, the kohen must wait until after the yom tov or sheva brachos to inspect the person, so as not to interfere with the simcha of the mitzvah.
Consider the fact that the person with the tzoraas is someone who transgressed terrible aveiros, and yet Hashem cares about this person’s possessions and about his joy when fulfilling a mitzvah.
This is because the whole concept of tzoraas is not merely retribution, rather, it’s a favor to the Yidto cleanse him of his impurity, as the Rambam explains. Therefore, out of the same love that Hashem has for a Yid, He says to wait with the cleansing process because it’s not a good time for the Yid.
The way Hashem loves and treats a Yid can help form the way we view a fellow Yid. Additionally, if Hashem is concerned with the simchas yom tov and simchah shel mitzvah of a Yid, shouldn’t we be too?
As parents or spouses, we often see “afflictions” in members of our households that need correction. Yom tov, and particularly Erev Pesach, can be an especially trying and tense time.
But let’s consider how Hashem tells the kohen to turn a blind eye for a while so that the Yid can experience simchas yom tov.
We can be the kohen of our family.
We can be the one to help others correct their ways and get back on the right track. And we can also be cognizant of the fact that sometimes it’s better not to notice right now.
Wishing all our readers a truly kosher and joyous Pesach, and may we merit to celebrate it together in Yerushalayim with Moshiach. [1]
[1] Likutei Sichos vol 37 pg 37
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