Plowing a field at the wrong time of year may not be helpful. In fact, it may harm the potential to produce.
Driving fast on a crowded street may not get you to your destination any quicker. In fact, it may be a hazard to yourself and others.
Eating certain foods that are healthy for others may not be good for you – if you are allergic to them. In fact, they may damage your well-being.
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As we prepare for Pesach by removing the Chametz from our homes, selling our Chametz and abstaining from consuming Chametz for eight days, we often wonder, “What’s so bad about Chametz? Why is it banned for all of Passover? I understand that we should eat matzah on Passover to commemorate the Exodus. But, why is bread forbidden? If it’s not good for us (physically or spiritually), then it should always be outlawed, like other nonkosher foods. And if it’s okay to eat, then why not on Pesach?
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In this week’s Parsha, Vayikra, we learn about many of the offerings that were offered in the Mishkan and the Beit Hamikdash. Interestingly, the Torah tells us we are obligated to put salt on every sacrifice. Conversely, the Torah specifies that yeast and honey are always forbidden on the altar.
The commentators offer various explanations as to why yeast and honey are singled out. Some point to the pagan practices (that employed yeast and honey), while others reflect on the symbolism of yeast and honey (representing arrogance).
But, the question still remains: If yeast and honey possess negative qualities, shouldn’t they be outlawed altogether? And, if they are appropriate, why not in G-d’s Holy Temple?
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This is yet another reminder that certain activities are always unholy. Others, however, depend on context. In certain circumstances, cutting human flesh is a healthy undertaking (such as medically necessary surgery). Under other conditions, it can be as cruel as murder.
Yeast and honey possess many positive traits, which we should uphold and internalize in the proper settings. But, in the Holy Temple, they are inappropriate.
Likewise, Chametz – which represents ego - isn’t entirely bad. But, Pesach is the birth of our nation. Our foundation, the Torah teaches, must be completely selfless. Self-confidence has an important place in Judaism. But, its role can only flourish if it’s built on the foundation of true humility (matzah).
This Pesach, as I munch my matzah, I will try to live in the moment – a Chametz free zone, in my time, space and in my soul.