Parsha Pearls

וּשְׁמַרְׁ תֶּם אֶּת הַמַצּוֹת וגו ‘-- שמות יב:יז
And you should guard the matzos... [Shemos 12:17]

Quoting from the Midrash Mechilta, Rashi comments on that verse: Rabbi Yeshaya says: Do not read: אֶת הַמַצּוֹת, but rather [read it] אֶת הַמִצְווֹת. Just as we don’t let the matza to become chometz, so too, we don’t let the mitzvos to become ‘chometz.’ Rather, if a mitzva comes into your hand, perform it right away.

But why does the Torah teach us this principle of zerizus specifically from matzos?! It seems that one possible answer is as follows: As we know, matzah is ‘the bread of faith’ - by eating matza on Pesach we strengthen our emunah and bitachon. By teaching us the principle of zerizus here, the Torah is telling us that zerizus is especially important when it comes to strengthening someone’s emunah and bitachon.

One of the opening verses of the parshas Bo reads: “And in order that you tell into the ears of your son and your son's son how I (Hashem) made a mockery of the Egyptians, and [that you tell about] My signs that I placed in them, and [then,] you will know that I am Hashem.” [Shemos 10:2]

Since this verse is instructing a father to relate the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim to his son and grandson, the Torah should have said at the end of the verse: “and they will know that I am Hashem.” Why does the Torah say (to the father and grandfather) “and you will know that I am Hashem”?

The answer is that when a Jew relates the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim to his children and grandchildren, he himself gains from it. Namely, he also grows in his emunah and bitachon.

Hence, the Torah is informing us of a very important fundamental idea: By helping another Jew to grow in his emunah and bitachon, you become stronger in your own emunah and bitachon!