Timeless Torah

(Hebrew writing)

The literal translation of this verse is, “If a person will inadvertently sin by doing any of the things that G-d commanded shall not be done...” Although this straight-forward text is clean and unambiguous, that did not stop one of the great Chasidic masters of a century and a half ago to add another unique interpretation. According to him, the verse also means, “A person may sin when he does one of G-d’s commandements in a way that he should not have one it.”

While most people understand that one must atone for sins committed, this new perspective adds that one must sometimes ask forgiveness for mitzvot (good deeds) as well. This concept is best illustrated with the story of two scholars who were once overheard having the following dialogue.

Said one, “What will I do on Judgement Day when I am confronted with all the sins that I have done?” The other responded, “I will be more embarrassed when questioned about my mitzvot. A sin occurs when one’s beter judgement is overcome by temptation and one acts foolishly. That I can defend. But what can I say when the show me my mitzvot? Those were done when I understood that I should choose thr right path, yet look at how inadequately they were performed. How will I defend my lack of enthusiasm, low intensity of devotion, and the lackluster way in which they were done?”

It is not unusual for a person who has made a profitable investment in a given stock to have a greater regret for not having invested more than he did, than for losing money on another stock.Somehow, a loss is accepted as part of the risk of doing business. But not to have invested enough in a venture that one deemed profitable in the first place, hurts more.

The holiday of Pesach and the family Seder is still one of those religious experiences considerd “profitable” by amny of our co-religionists.

Doesn’t it make sense that one should invest a little more time and effort in doing it right? Is there a minimum of bitter herbs, wine, and matzah one must eat? Are there any other details or particulars you might have forgotten over the years? How about putting in a litle effort? Come to a Pesach class, buy a Haggadah with commentary, and don’t feel you lost out on the great opportunity the holiday offers.