Passover, known as the Chag Ha’Aviv, the Festival of Spring, occurs during a period when the earth excavates its wintry shell and experiences a renaissance. The Jews, too, during the Exodus, underwent a rebirth from slaves into a free people and had to integrate changes into their lifestyle. It was an awesome and yet frightening time for them. They had been under Egyptian dominion for hundreds of years; they had gotten used to taking orders and not thinking for themselves and making their own decisions. But with Hashem’s and Moshe’s guidance, they were able to make the transition and master the art of life, the culmination, of course, which was learning Torah and serving G-D in the Mishkon (sanctuary).

One way we celebrate the changes they had to institute in their lives eliminating “chometz” from our systems for the entire Passover holiday. We cleanse ourselves physically and spiritually and spend some of the holiday in contemplation of our past and the future, with allusion in the Haggadah about the Messiah.

I feel that Passover offers the perfect opportunity for singles to reevaluate their lives, embrace what is successful as well as eject whatever burdens have been dragging them down, whatever they have become slaves to: bad character traits, unsuccessful relationships, illusions about themselves, their careers, etc.

Just as the Jewish people had to refine themselves before they were able to attain the Torah (known as the ‘bride’ to Israel’s ‘groom’), so too must singles put in preliminary legwork to achieve their goal of being united with their soul mates. It’s not enough to have the desire to make a connection. Yes, that’s the first step, but only the first. It’s important to initiate a plan of action that includes making the most out of yourself, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Many people put obstacles in their own path and then rail at G-D for keeping them single. G-D isn’t the culprit. In fact, he’s waiting for all of us to effect the changes that will merit us what we deserve out of life.

So to all the singles out there, get moving, do the work because ‘no pain, no gain.’ And for those who are lucky enough to find that special someone, help those around you to make the connection in whatever way you can. It’s up to all of us to make this life count. May we all fulfill the commandments this Passover and earn our heart’s desires in doing so.

Pesach 5763 | Back to Rabbi's Messages