We’re coming upon my favorite time of the year. Although, if you’re an allergy sufferer like me, you’re probably shaking your heads in disbelief since this is by far the worst time for us. I would agree, spring time can be challenging. However, thank G-d for the recent rainfall that has kept things a bit milder than usual. And since we’ve been praying for rain, this is a good blessing. B’’H

Of course, around this time every year, we gather together to celebrate (one of my favorite holiday) Pesach (or Passover) and Chag HaMatzot (or Feast of Matzot/Unleavened Bread) which spans 7 days plus 1 day for the diehard diasporic observers. As Torah tells us, it is in the Spring to be the beginning of months (i.e. a New Year) for us—as a reminder that the beginning of our journey started with our freedom from Mitzrayim (or Egypt).

I am reminded how true it is to be filled with expectation and hope as we wrap up this spiritual year with the cleaning of chametz from our homes and our lives spiritually. Rabbis throughout the ages have often used this metaphor, so I won’t spoil things by repeating it here. If you are interested, you can certainly find a whole bunch of teachings by simply searching “chametz meaning” on YouTube or Google.

It is particularly interesting that chametz (“leavening”) is not permitted to be eaten or in our possession during this time. What can this mean? That was my thought. How can it be that we can’t have any chametz during such a festive time? Matzah is pretty boring compared to cake and challah. In some observances, the whole week is a test of willpower and careful methodical scheming to fight off the temptation to grab that piece of bread. Isn’t it interesting that human nature is such that when we have, we don’t seem to care? But then when we don’t have it anymore, all of a sudden, we’re clamoring for it.

One of many nice things about Pesach & Chag HaMatzot is that the first day and the seventh day is a holy convocation and a day off from work (Leviticus/Vayikra 23). Whoo-Hoo! However, for those of us workaholics, this year brings a unique blessing with the first day on Shabbat (which is already a day off), which leaves the seventh day on Friday the following week (April 26^th). In other words, only one extra day off this year, sorry. ☹  Now of course, this also means no Chametz until after the end of Shabbat on Saturday evening. Double bummer! ☹☹

Okay, you might ask, “What does this all mean?” Here’s my take on it. I think the meaning lies in the type of holidays that they are and the type of offerings that are to be presented. You see, we’re to make a feast-offering during these specific times. What other religion on earth commands us to party, eat and drink until we are satisfied! Not only that, but the offerings must be completely eaten in one or two days. For instance, with the Pesach offering, you have to eat all of it by morning. That’s a lot of meat, even for all you super meat lovers out there. And for you vegans, you can forget about winning this round. 😉

This is the first one of the three pilgrimage holidays: Chag HaMatzot (Pesach), Shavuot and Sukkot (Exodus/Sh’mot 23:14). They are not only to be festive, they require community. This is the time set aside for us to make peace with HaShem and with one another. These are the designated time for us to bring our guilt offerings to make peace and restore ourselves. Isn’t it great that we don’t have to wait until Yom Kippur to be restored? Hallelujah!