Recap for 5 Nissan 5773

This Shabbos we discussed the difference between our intentions and our actions.  Our intentions may be good, but our actions may not be good even if they could lead to achieving our objectives.  For example, we discussed the sin of the Golden Calf.  Our intention of finding a way to connect with Hashem in the absence of Moses was good, but our action of idol worship was not good.

We discussed the ways of doing t’shuva, doing the opposite of what we did wrong, and being in the same situation and not repeating the same mistakes.  The Jews did t’shuva for the sin of the Golden Calf, by being meticulous in following the instructions for building the temple.  In the Torah these instructions are repeated, which indicates Hashem’s happiness with our work.  Moses was not sure that Hashem was pleased so he did not enter the newly constructed temple at first.  But then Hashem called out to Moses.

We discussed how sometimes we need rules so that objectives are met, and other times we are successful with just the objectives.   For example children need bedtimes, but professionals at work do not need to be micromanaged.   We discussed how there are areas in which we were not following the Torah, so the Rabbis instituted additional rabbinic laws that would hopefully lead to better observance.  For example, a lot of the laws concerning the mixing of dairy and meat are not spelled out in the written Torah, but are later presented in the Talmud and oral law.

We continued our discussion of getting ready for Pesach.   There are two standards, one for ownership and one for consumption.   The standard for ownership is that we are not permitted to own pieces that are larger than a thimble.  If there are areas of the house in which we will not be eating or preparing food, we only need to make sure there are no pieces larger than this size. A thimble is a piece with dimensions of about ½ inch in each direction.  

It is important to note that there is a difference between ownership and possession.    We can possess chumatz as long as we don’t own it, and we can’t own any chumatz regardless of whether or not it is in our possession.    The way to possess chumatz without ownership is to lock it up in one area of the house, and then use a rabbi to sell it to a non-jew.  We need to remember to sell any chumatz we may not possess, but still own.

We discussed how it is a special positive mitzvah to eat matzah during the first 2 seders.  It is necessary that this be a special matzuh that has been guarded against contact with water or anything else that would render it unsuitable.  For the remainder of the days of Chol Chomed some authorities take the position that there is extra mitzvah in continuing to eat matzah, however it is only necessary to eat a thimble’s worth each time.  Eating more than this brings no additional benefit, however we should eat matzah in situations where we would normally eat bread.

Finally, David talked about what his father would say about interrupting Torah learning.  It is not desirable to interrupt learning, but being interrupted by birds or to admire the trees does not have to be an interruption to the learning.  The key is to be conscious of the miracles of Hashem's creation, especially on Shabbos.   

This is a summary of what we discussed this Shabbos.  No Halachic rulings are intended or should be inferred.