The Season of Freedom

Education comes in many forms: First and foremost is to provide a living example. The best way to influence someone is by practicing what you preach. But in order to prevail upon a student to adopt a basic level of good behavior, the educator must show an example many times above the standard, because the student automatically assumes that he can’t be as great as his teacher, who is much older and wiser than he.

Certain times of the year demand specific examples to be shown. As we approach Passover, the call of the hour is to seek out those who cannot afford the holiday expenses and provide all that they need. Joy is a key element of all the three major Festivals. But on Passover, “The Time of Our Freedom,” one must be especially free of all concerns and worries.

When you give him charity from the abundance that G-d has granted you, realize that all along G-d intended that money for the poor person. G-d gave it to you temporarily, for safekeeping, and you are completing your mission by passing the charity along to its rightful owner.