Scrubbing away Apathy
The mother of the president of the yeshiva in Lyon is an exceptionally virtuous woman who has merited longevity. In spite of her advanced age, she would clean her house for Pesach meticulously, befitting a woman half her age. Once, when the man of the house noted her tired look as she poured boiling water over the table, in the custom of those who are stringent, he suggested that she take a short break. But she refused.
- Translation of the letter of the king of Morocco
“The chametz is not fitting for consumption by a dog; why are you exerting yourself unnecessarily?”
“Pesach! Pesach! Pesach!” she replied, as if that explained everything. When her eyes alighted upon a slice of bread which had been hidden, they lit up. She would merit burning actual chametz from her home!
This woman’s enthusiasm in performing this mitzvah taught me a vital lesson. How essential is alacrity and eagerness when doing mitzvot!
In spite of her tiredness and age, this woman plowed ahead in this mitzvah. After removing all obvious chametz, she could have contented herself with annulling any unseen chametz. But, since it is forbidden to eat even a tiny bit of chametz on Pesach, she acted stringently and did not allow even a tiny bit to be found, even if it was unfit for a dog to eat.
Certainly, Hashem values mitzvot done with alacrity and enthusiasm, and rewards accordingly.
