Numbers 9

This week’s Torah portion contains the mitzvah of Pesach sheni, 2^nd Pesach. The mitzvah is simple to understand, if Pesach, the 14^th of Nisan, and one is ritually contaminated from having touched a dead body, one cannot partake in the eating of the Karbon Pesach. So, Hashem makes provision for those who were contaminated, and those who are too far away. By allowing the Karbon Pesach to be made. One month later, on the 14^th of Iyar.

The mitzvah seems easy enough, and it is frequently taught that the purpose of the Smith is to show that Hashem gives us second chances. This interpretation, however, raises some very serious questions. If the purpose of this mitzvah is to teach us that Hashem gives a second chances, why do we have 2^nd Pesach, but no 2^nd shuvu or 2^nd Sukkot? Why is it that the Chagiga, the Festival offering, is commanded for first Pesach, but not 2^nd Pesach? The effectiveness did we have a 2^nd chance for Pesach, but not for the Chagiga on Pesach, we do not have a 2^nd chance for Succot, and we do not have a 2^nd chance for Shavuot. So is this mitzvah really about 2^nd chances at all?

In fact, Pesach sheni is more about the importance of Israel being reminded about the original Exodus from Egypt than it is about second chances. The reality is that we may celebrate Shavuot, and we may celebrate Sukkot only because of the Pesach. Israel must be reminded of the story of the Exodus from Egypt. We are reminded to relate the story in Torah. Because of the commandment “when your children ask,” we relate the story. With the offering of the Bikurim, we relate the story. When we make kiddush on Shabbat we say, “in remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt.” We thank Hashem for the Torah given at Sinai; we thank Hashem for the joyous celebration of Sukkot. But, we are not commanded to relate the stories of these festivals. But we are commanded to do so for Pesach. It is that important to keep in the forefront of our minds. Therefore, Hashem gives a specific view the ability to bring the Karbon Pesach. If they were contaminated or too far away on the 14^th of Nisan. Shabbat shalom.