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The way the midrash (Shemot Rabba 19:5) connects Korban Pesach and milah may clarify somewhat. The people were reluctant to perform milah but, according to the midrash’s first version, when they found out it was a prerequisite for taking part in the Korban Pesach, they became willing to do it. According to the second version, it was not until the preparations for the Korban Pesach began and the smell enticed them to beg to take part that Moshe was able to get them to perform milah.
That still does not explain why the connection between the two was not revealed earlier. The midrash mentions the significance of the intermingling of the blood of the milah and that of the Pesach. Thus, the fact that the milah was done at the last moment might have had some positive value.
However, it is likely that Hashem would have preferred for the people to fulfill their sacred obligation of milah well in advance without prodding. Indeed, the midrash praises the Tribe of Levi for having been careful about the matter throughout the years of servitude. Bnei Yisrael, in their downtrodden state, were not in the practice of performing any mitzvot. They had enough trouble following the commandments that Pharaoh imposed upon them. Why should they follow the practices their fathers related from a G-d who had allowed them to be in a wretched situation? Only when the final steps of redemption were palpable, represented by the Korban Pesach, were they willing to put in their bodies a sign of servitude to Hashem instead of to Pharaoh. According to the midrash’s second version, it was not even enough to know that this was to happen. Rather, they had to "smell in the air," literally and figuratively, the festivity of freedom in order to do so.
Since ancient times, we have never forgotten the status of free men and the related obligation of milah that encourages us to give ourselves over to Hashem. May the stages of redemption and the "smell" of hopefully imminent further redemption encourage more of us to intensify our service of Hashem.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
