BY RABBI JONATHAN GERWITZ
“We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt...” (Pesach Hagada)
After the child asks the question, or at least, expresses wonderment, that the evening’s meal is so different, we begin the answer with these words. We explain that the reason for the Seder is to commemorate and relive the Exodus from Egypt. (It is interesting to note that the one asking the Mah Nishtana has not yet witnessed the things he asks about. Rather, they will yet see them throughout the Seder. That should be food for thought and lively discussion at your table.)
There is a famous tune used for this answer in homes around the world. The tune involves repeating some of the words for emphasis. When it is sung, it sounds like this, “Avadim Hayinu – HAYINU. L’Pharaoh b’Mitzrayim – B’MITZRAYIM!” Using this nearly universal tune as a guideline, we can glean a beautiful message about Jewish survival throughout the generations. Avadim hayinu, we were slaves – but HAYINU – WE WERE. Even when we were slaves, we were; we still existed and survived. Hashem sustained us throughout the slavery.
L'Pharoah B’Mitzrayim; to Pharaoh in Egypt. The word Mitzrayim, Hebrew for Egypt, is close to metzarim, a narrow, transitional place. The three weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av, for example, are called Bein HaMetzarim, “in the straits.” Though we were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, - yet B’MITZRAYIM! We were just passing through that existence. The slavery to Pharaoh didn’t define who we were, it refined who we would yet become.
When we celebrate the Seder and do things to recall how special and precious we are as Hashem’s children, we are reminding ourselves that the troubles and tribulations we’ve experienced throughout history were times that Hashem carried us, and the challenges were intended to purify us and help us grow. This is a message that must be remembered and transmitted from generation to generation. The challenges we are living through today are part of our living history, bringing us one step closer to the ultimate redemption, which will be here any moment!
Someone once asked the Kotzker Rebbe: “If we’re so worried about chametz on Pesach, why eat matzah at all? One mistake in the bakery and you’re doomed. Why don’t we just stick to foods that cannot possibly become chametz?” The Kotzker Rebbe smiled. “Chametz represents the Yetzer Hara. You can’t totally avoid him; you must know how to deal with him and vanquish him. Therefore, we eat matzah made from a grain that can become chametz, and we work to ensure it does not!”
