"The first mishnah in Pesahim tells us that, before Pesah begins, we must search for hameitz specifically by the light of a small, handheld lamp or candle—as opposed to a much stronger light source, such as a torch. But why opt for weaker light? Why insist upon a candle’s single flame when there are stronger lights available? The Gemara (Pesahim 8a) records many possible reasons. Rav Nahman bar Yitzhak (ultimately codified by the Mishnah Berurah 433:1) states that a candle’s flame is superior in being small enough to enter tight spaces. A little, handheld flame forces us to come closer, to make a more thorough examination. It enables us to look more closely into all the minute holes in the landscape and to notice all the finer details. By doing so, we’ll do a better job looking around and finding what there is to discover. It might be counterintuitive, but we’ll actually see much better with a candle than with a torch."
As we welcome spring and celebrate the new month of Nisan, the month in which we march to freedom, we are mindful of what it means to notice growth, how beauty emerges when we least expect it, and the strength that hibernates quietly within. These days call us to search deliberately inside and out. What hametz do we want to discard to make room for liberation from thoughts, feelings and practices that hold us back? How might we encounter the world and the everyday with space for surprise? What light can we shine on difficult places and know we'll find resources and support not only to survive but to thrive? On Hanukkah we imagine ourselves as a little light urged on and sustained by others. As we approach Passover, let us rekindle that light to offer questions and engage within and beyond ourselves. Join me for Taste of Torah: Passover next Thursday, March 30 at 8pm as we prepare together.Register here.
While we use a little light for our Passover searching, torches have their time and place. The Havdalah candle is noted for its entwining of more than one light source to represent a torch lighting its way into the new week. Join us for Havdalah tomorrow night at 7:50pm as our combined light shines brightly. Register to welcome the new week HERE.
Shabbat Shalom and Hodesh Tov,
rg
Congregation Habonim 103 West End Ave New York, NY 10023
