#21: Machshavah

The Gemara (Pesachim 66a) recounts an episode from a year when Erev Pesach fell on Shabbat, like this year. The Sages were uncertain whether the Korban Pesach should be offered on Shabbat or delayed until afterward. Hillel, who had recently arrived in Eretz Yisrael from Bavel, responded that he had received a tradition from the great sages Shmayah and Avtalyon that the Korban Pesach is indeed offered on Shabbat. He explained that just as the Korban Tamid (the daily offering) overrides Shabbat, so too does the Korban Pesach. The underlying principle seems to be that a korban tzibbur (communal korban), which is brought on behalf of the entire nation, have the power to override Shabbat.

Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook (Olat Re’iyah, p. 178) explains—echoing a hint in Rambam’s Commentary on the Mishnah (Introduction to Zevachim)—that although each group offers its own Korban Pesach, it is still given the status of a communal offering. Since every individual participates in the same korban on the same day, it attains a communal status, allowing it to override Shabbat when Erev Pesach falls on that day.

Rav Kook further elaborates that the Korban Pesach represents the unity of the Jewish people. Even though it is brought by distinct groups, each with its own members and perspectives, it nevertheless unites the entire nation as one. Similarly, despite the diversity within Am Yisrael—different groups with different approaches—the celebration of Pesach affirms our shared values and common destiny.

This message carries particular significance this year, when Erev Pesach coincides with Shabbat, and during this time, when we are still seeing some divisions within our people. The lesson of this unique year, as taught by Hillel, is that despite its being brought by distinct groups, the Korban Pesach was still offered on Shabbat because of its communal nature. So too, our shared destiny and collective purpose bind us together as a single tzibbur, a unified entity.

However, this unity is not automatic—it is something we must actively strive for. Just as the Korban Pesach must be brought separately by each group and still brings the nation together, we too must work to recognize the value of every group and individual within Am Yisrael. The message of the Korban Pesach is not just a statement of unity but a call to action: to strengthen our sense of connection, to seek understanding, and to build bridges even in times of discord.

May this Pesach inspire us to deepen our commitment to one another and bring us closer to the time when we will once again eat “from the Pesachim and from the Zevachim” (as we recite at the end of Maggid) in the rebuilt Beit HaMikdash, speedily in our days.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.