Thursday, April 14, 2011

ACHREI MOS/SHABBOS HAGADOL 5771

Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Acharei Mos/Hagadol

11 Nissan 5771/April 15, 2011

A friend of mine recently texted me the following (true?) story:

A woman was breathlessly moving her couch so she could clean behind it before Pesach, when a neighbor walked in and asked, “Why don’t you wait for your husband to come home?” The woman kept tugging as she replied, “It’s easier to move it when no one is on it.”

When I forwarded this story to a few of my contacts the best response I received was from a relative who replied, “I’ll have to speak to my wife. That was a private matter.”

Last year our yeshiva, Bais Hachinuch, began its Pesach recess a day later than many of the other yeshivos in the area. Some of the students were quite upset about it. One fourth grader announced to his class his theory (not realizing that his rebbe was standing in earshot). “Do you know why we’re the only yeshiva who has school today? Because the Menahel (Dean) doesn’t want to help his wife clean for Pesach.”

It's been said that, "One of life's greatest pleasures is the anticipation of pleasure."

I love to go shopping Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov. To be honest I have to work on maintaining my patience in the parking lots and at the checkout counters. Still, I love to behold the busyness as everyone prepares for the upcoming special days. I enjoy coming to a store close to midnight on the night of Erev Yom Tov to find the store packed with people as if it was midday. I enjoy the wishes of Good Shabbos and Chag Samayach being exchanged, and the chatter about everyone’s plans and guests for Yom Tov. I love to walk into a home filled with the delectable aromas of Shabbos and Yom Tov, with potato and onion peels littering the area around the garbage can.

I know that women reading this may shake their heads and mutter that I am only saying this because I am not responsible for the cooking and cleaning. That may be true, but I maintain that despite the fatigue and stress of Yom Tov prep, the excitement in the air is something to cherish. When one has to make a wedding, there are undoubtedly myriads of things that have to be taken care of and there is a great deal of pressure. Yet at the same time there is a surge of excitement and anticipation for the great day that is approaching.

It is indeed Erev Pesach and there is much to do and so little time to do it. But every now and then it is worthwhile to stop and appreciate what we are busy with. Don’t wait for Pesach to begin, start enjoying the Yom Tov now.

Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos

Chag Samaeach & Good Yom Tov,

R’ Dani and Chani Staum