Pesach Sheni - Second Chance (21:1)

SECOND CHANCE (21:1)

The Talmud, basing itself on the very first verse in this week’s Torah portion of Emor, tells us about responsibilities. According to our Sages the “great” (adults) have the obligation to instruct the “small” (children) in the observance of mitzvot.
In Chassidic philosophy these terms are not limited to interpersonal relationships.  Just as there are “the great” and “the small” in the world at large, within the microcosm of man these concepts also exist.  The great, meaning the mind and intelligence, are there to guide and teach the small - the limbs, the practical implementation.  Does one learn only in order to know, or also to do?  Assuredly, the greatness of Torah study is that it brings about Torah action.
But what if one hasn’t had the opportunity to study, much less to do?  Is it too late?
The answer provided by the Torah is known as Pesach Sheni, the second Passover.  This mini holiday, whose only real ceremony in our day and age is the eating of some matzoh, originated in the desert.  The Israelites had been commanded to offer a sacrifice at the Sanctuary in honor of Pesach.  A small group of Jews began to harangue Moses. “What should we do?  We can’t participate in the holiday?”
Their problem stemmed from the fact that any Jew who had come in contact with a dead body had to undergo a waiting period before they could re-enter the holy grounds of the Sanctuary.  Being unable to participate, they felt left out.  “Not fair,” they complained.
Moses himself was in doubt.  Can you rectify the past?  Turning to heaven for an answer, he received the following response: “If any man shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or on a journey far away. . . he shall perform the Pesach sacrifice in the second month on the fourteenth.”
In other words, exactly one month after the usual Passover holiday, you get a second Pesach - a second chance.  Regardless of how defiled or far away you might be, it is never too late.