WHY THE EMPHASIS ON PESACH TO BE CHAMETZ-FREE?
On Pesach we are forbidden to own chametz (leavened bread – i.e. virtually any flour product not especially produced for Pesach) or have it in our possession. On the evening preceding Pesach there is a serious search of the home for chametz. It is also very important to purchase Shmurah Matzah – made to the highest standard to ensure no chametz. (I suggest buying round hand matzot for a unique and real treat at the Seder!) Chametz represents arrogance (“puffing up”). Passover is the time of freedom – spiritual freedom (which is the essence of why the Almighty brought us out of Egypt). As I’ve mentioned before, the only thing that stands between you and God … is you. To come close to the Almighty (which is the essence of life and the opportunity of every mitzvah and holiday), one must remove his arrogance. This is the lesson of removing the chametz from our possession. Freedom means having the ability to use your free will to grow and develop. People think they are free when really th
