20 Jan AHAVAS YISRAEL

There are two types of mitzvos: obligations that people have to Hashem, and mitzvos to help one’s fellow man. Which type of mitzvah is more important and takes precedence? The answer to this question is that it depends on the circumstances. But there are definitely times when mitzvos bein adam lchaveiro take precedence over mitzvos bein adam l’makom. This week’s parsha speaks about the mitzvah of tefillin (see Bo 13:9). The name of Hashem is written on the tefillin, because on the box of the tefillin shel rosh, there are two ‘ש; the knot, that goes on the back of the neck is a ‘ד; and the knot of the tefillin shel yad is a ‘י.

When Rebbe Moshe Mordechai of Lelov zt’l would put on his tefillin, he would kiss the ש’s and also the ‘י. Once he explained the reason he kissed the ‘י. He said it’s because one should increase his love for Yidden first, even before he contemplates on the oneness of Hashem. Shulchan Aruch (25:5) teaches, “When putting on tefillin, one should think that Hakadosh Baruch Hu commanded us to put on… [tefillin] because they declare Hashem’s oneness and that He took us out of Mitzrayim. We wear tefillin on the arm near the heart, and on the head near the brain, so we will remember the miracles and wonders that He performed for us, because these testify the oneness of Hashem…” Rebbe Moshe Mordechai of Lelov explained, “Before one puts on tefillin and contemplates on the oneness of Hashem, he should kiss the the Yid, because we should increase ahavas Yisrael first, even before we focus on Hashem’s oneness and greatness.” In this week’s parashah it says תוצמה†תא†םתרמשו†(12:17). Rashi gives two explanations: One is that we should protect the matzos from turning chametz. The second explanation is to be swift to do the mitzvos. As Rashi writes, “Just as one shouldn’t allow the matzos to become chametz, one shouldn’t let mitzvos turn chametz [spoiled]. If a mitzvah comes your way, do it right away.” This passuk is the source for the concept of matzos shmurah– matzos prepared with extra precautions. There are different levels of shmurah matzah. As it states in Shulchan Aruch (543:4) “The wheat that one makes from them the matzos mitzvah [matzos for the Seder] it is good to watch them that no water falls on them from the time it was harvested. At least, one should watch them from when they were ground [into flour]…”

Today, it isn’t difficult to buy shmurah matzah, but there was a time when it was difficult to attain. A poor person once came to Rebbe Dovid Lelover’s home, asking for food. “I didn’t eat for three days,” he said. At that time, there was nothing in Rebbe Dovid Lelover’s home, aside from shmurah matzos. He gave those to the pauper. His rebbetzin wasn’t home then and when she came and discovered what happened, she was upset. She said, “Why did you give away those matzos? You made them yourself and you need them for yourself.” The Rebbe replied, “There are two explanations for תוצמה†תא†םתרמשו, either to watch the matzos from chametz or to be cautious with the mitzvos to do them immediately. This year, I won’t have the highest form of shmurah matzah, but I will have kept perfectly this passuk according to Rashi’s second explanation. When I had the opportunity to help a poor man, I did so right away, and I didn’t push it off for later.” We see in this story that Rebbe Dovid Lelover forfeited having preferential matzos, for the sake of helping his fellow man. The matzos he used were obviously kosher, and they were shmurah matzos according to the more lenient opinion —they were watched from when it was ground into flour. Yet, he surrendered his perfect matzos to help a pauper.

The Chazon Ish zt’l was renowned for his love of Torah. He would learn for many hours without interruption, with immense concentration. Yet, he devoted much of his time giving counsel to Yidden who sought his advice. Someone asked him, “Wouldn’t it be better if you would learn Torah at this time?” The Chazon Ish replied, “If I would be wealthy, I would devote this time for giving tzedakah to the needy. I am not wealthy but I can help people with giving them counsel.” Once, the Chazon Ish said, “My entire chiyus, joy, in life is doing favors for Yidden.” This is an outstanding statement when we consider the immense joy that the Chazon Ish had from learning Torah. Yet, his primary joy was helping another person. By makas choshech the Torah says, “A person didn’t see his brother” (Bo 10:23).