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Chag Sameach! Happy Passover! That caught your attention, didn’t it? What an unusual greeting for the middle of June! However, this week in our Torah Portion, Behaalotecha we learn about a Pesach Sheni, or “Second Passover.”The Torah instructs us that on the first anniversary of the Exodus from Egypt, we are to ritually slaughter the Passover Lamb to commemorate our Exodus from Egypt. However, it is also taught that those who were ritually impure (presumably because they had been close to a dead body), could not participate in this ritual. Understandably, those who were impure were upset, as they too wanted to mark the Exodus. And so they approached Moses, and asked the question: “lamah nigorah, why should we be excluded?” (Numbers 9:7). 

Moses passed their message along to God, and God responded by designating a Second Passover to take place on the 14th of Iyar.  Anyone who was impure the first time around, gets a second chance to celebrate Passover.  I love this, the people shared their concerns, and God answered with a solution. 

Additionally, Pesach Sheni was particularly important in the Time of the Temple. It was taught that these sacrifices must be made at the Temple in Jerusalem.  Not everyone could make it to Jerusalem in time. And so, this second chance was an important opportunity for individuals that were unable to participate on the actual holy day. 

So what do we learn from Pesach Sheni? We learn that no matter how far away we are, either physically or spiritually, if we make the required effort, if we ask, perhaps we will be given a second opportunity, a second chance to do what it is that we need to do. 

It also reminds us that if we are bold enough, brave enough to ask for what it is we need and want, maybe, just maybe, our requests will be answered. So we reflect: In what area of our lives do we need a second chance? When should we be giving others a second chance?  And are we advocating for ourselves when we ought to be? I wish you all a Happy Second Passover, and the chance for a redo in whatever way you might need it this week. 

Shabbat Shalom!