The world is conducted through both nature and Divine Providence.
Unfortunately, because of our physical nature, we tend to believe that it is our own efforts that provide our livelihood. But in truth, our efforts accomplish nothing on their own. It is only the hidden Providence of HaShem that enters within the natural order and guides us with the proper counsel regarding what to pursue and how to earn a living. This was revealed clearly during the Exodus from Egypt and through the manna, when we experienced firsthand that we had everything we needed without any labor on our part.
From the Exodus until Har Sinai, we were still within this condition where everything was cloaked in nature. Therefore, the Jewish people were commanded to distance themselves completely from chametz. Only after the first six days of Sefirah counting (after the 7th day of Pesach) were they permitted to partake of chametz, once they merited the illumination of the sweetening of judgments through the sefirah of Yesod, which alludes to Yosef HaTzaddik. At that point, chametz became permitted to them - or in other words, they were now able to engage in business and worldly dealings, even though such involvement can appear to lead a person, Heaven forbid, toward denial and confusion, because they had already received the strength to withstand and navigate those challenges.
Then comes the festival of Shavuot, which is called the “General Redemption.” Moshe Rabbeinu, the true tzaddik, brought down the Torah with the most complete and exalted illumination. This is why the offering of the Two Loaves was specifically made from complete chametz—the only offering brought in such a manner—because at this level, nature itself is transformed into Divine Providence. Every person can merit this tremendous and wondrous illumination, for they have already toiled and struggled, pleading and yearning to become purified and sanctified. Every individual, quite literally, can attain this level of faith, where one sees only the Providence of HaShem even within this confusing world.
May it be HaShem’s will that we merit this illumination, and merit faith in the redemptions brought about through the true tzaddikim, and unwavering faith in the constant Providence of HaShem always.
Chag Sameach and a Good Yom Tov
Chaim Kramer |
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