Dear [FIRSTNAME],

This is a reminder that we will not have our usual Torah class this evening (4/22) due to Pesach. Our classes will resume next week as we study Parashat Kedoshim.

I encourage everyone to follow along with the counting of the omer. You can receive daily emails from the UMJC if you signup at the link below.

http://www.umjc.net/content/blogsection/18/112/

I've also included a thought about Passover, written by Ami.

May you have a happy and kosher Pesach!

Rabbi Rafael

This Matzah That We Eat

Three matzot tucked snugly into a divided pouch are the focal point of the unfolding mystery that is the Passover Seder. On my table I prefer the shmurah matzot, the large, circular, burnt on the edges and smoky all around matzot made especially for the holiday. Bound together, these three brittle cakes take on the identities and reflect the bond of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, or as some say the Kohen, the Levite, and the Israelite. Dependent upon which tradition you hold to, the matzah we break towards the beginning of the seder remembers either Isaac or the priests who once served in the temple. The commonality between the two is sacrifice.

Tradition relates certain events believed to have taken place on Pesach before the actual institution of the holiday at the time of our exodus. Abraham's sacrificial binding of Isaac is one such event. The Akeidah, the binding of the only son is recalled in our weekday Shacharit prayers. This reading is followed by a plea for mercy directed to G-d on behalf of the reader. The supplication speaks with simple logic; because our father Abraham set aside his love for his son, seeking to slaughter him in order to perform G-d's command, would G-d not set aside the wrath meant for His people for the sake of Abraham?

Again, our sidur makes reference to the Akeidah and forgiveness of sin in our daily "Tachanun," or Supplication. Our liturgy begs G-d to see the binding of the only son when looking upon His people. Speaking in human terms, some commentaries have suggested that the binding of Isaac was such a traumatic event that it fixed an unshakable image into Hashem's mind. Like a soldier in a bloody war, Hashem continues to relive the experience. When looking upon his people, he does not focus on Israel's failings. Hashem sees only one image; The Only Son giving himself as a willing sacrifice.

This title-the only son, is a remez or hint in our text pointing towards a Mashiach who would be called, the only begotten. This year during the seder meditate on the unique relationship Yitzchak Avinu has with Mashiach and eat the second matzah with a quiet prayer that rather than looking towards our imperfections Hashem might only see Mashiach Tzidkenu who gave his life for us all.