The preparations of the Ahavas Yisroel of Vizhnitz (Rabbi Yisrael Hager, 1860-1936) for the search for chametz were lengthy and he approached the act with great feeling. The Rebbe made the brachos on the removal of chametz with great fervor while his spodek crowned his head.
He would search the cracks and crannies by candlelight, constantly beating his chest and calling out, “Oy, oy, oy!” All who heard him trembled, and their hearts broke to the sound of his groans. When he had completed the search, he turned to his faithful chassid, R’ Mordechai Chaneh, and standing before him, he tore open his heart, baring his chest and said, “Now, search out the chametz in my heart.”
(Chametz is symbolic of the yetzer hara, evil inclination.)
R’ Mordechai did not lose his presence of mind and replied, “Rebbe, the halachah instructs us that we need not search a place where chametz has not entered.”
(Haggadah of the Chassidic Masters)
Reprinted from the Parshas Shemini 5784 email of The Weekly Vort.
