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My All-Seeing Blind Eye

I don't know if this is a common occurrence but as I get older, I'm discovering myself to be less and less orthodox when it comes to all the ins and outs of Pesach cleaning.

Sure, we get rid of all our chametz, but whereas I was much more stringent in the past about the cleaning and scrubbing and blitzing of those pesky little crumbs - I'm less so now. I just haven't got the strength or willing to give it my all.

Does this make me less of a Passover observant Jew? Will my soul be separated from my people when I hit the great upstairs, because I didn't get rid of every molecule of leaven - or will G-d open the gates and tell me: "You're Ok, you did your best and even when you could have done more...at least you tried".

I have to say that this, of late, has surely become my way of thinking. I tried. Dammit I tried. We've spent close on £1000 making sure the food's kosher and the house is ready. Yet, as I look around, I'm surrounded by chametz and I'm sorry to say this,but one and a quarter hours before shabbat comes in, I really have to force myself to keep on working at it. I'm tired of Pesach and I'm sick of chametz.
Let's not forget that Pesach hasn't even begun yet.

I really shouldn't complain. After all, Dana's the one who's worked her guts out for the Sederim. How dare I, a mere man, complain?

Well, view this then, as a joint complaint. We're both tired of Pesach and chametz and we're both looking forward to Sunday night 1st May, when it's all over - which is not really the right spirit to have as we enter this wonderful festival.

The truth is that the Sedarim will be wonderful and we'll get used to the week. Next Pesach, we'll do it all again and complain and I'll be a little more lax than this year because I'll have a year's less patience - but do you know what, with all this and more, I'd rather die than miss one of the most precious times of our year.

Now, THAT'S the spirit of Pesach.

Chag Sameach everyone!

Comments

Anonymous said…
I am sure God will judge you on whether you are a good person rather than on how many crumbs you have dropped!
Monday, 25 April, 2005
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