The Chidushei HaRim, founding Rebbe of Gerrer Chasidus, would share a tale told by his Rebbe, Reb Simcha Bunim of Peshischa that highlights one of the challenges at the Pesach Seder:
A wealthy man decided to buy a strong horse with a fine pedigree. He was very proud of his new acquisition, and he built a sturdy stable to house the horse and to ensure that no one stole it. After securing the horse he went to bed but could not fall asleep. Even though the stable was secure he was still worried that his fine horse would attract the attention of thieves. After a sleepless night, he decided to hire a watchman to protect his horse and provide him some peace of mind. The next day he found someone willing to work as his guard. That night the owner at first went to bed satisfied that his horse was now protected. But soon he had another worry that kept him awake: How would the guard stay awake the entire night? This worry was not allowing him to fall asleep, so the wealthy man got out of bed, bundled himself up, and went outside to check on the guard. When he arrived at the stable, the guard was indeed awake. When asked how he stayed awake all night, the guard explained that he pondered various questions and riddles that kept him up all night. He gave his boss an example: “When a nail is knocked into the wall, what happens to the sand that was in its place?” The wealthy man was impressed with the sophistication of the guard’s ponderings and went back to bed content that he had a reliable watchman. But this contentment was short-lived. A few hours later the wealthy man was again concerned that his watchman may have drifted to sleep. So he once again trudged outside to check in on the guard. Upon arriving at the stable he found the guard wide awake. This time, the guard explained that he was pondering: where does the sun go at night? This question satisfied the employer and he went back to bed and slept peacefully. But the next night the wealthy man was once again concerned about the guard’s reliability. He went outside and found the guard standing outside the stable, deep in contemplation. When asked this time, the guard said that he was wondering, “When someone eats a bagel, what happens to the hole inside?” Once again, the employer was impressed by his contemplation and satisfied by his vigilance so he went back to bed. On the third night, the wealthy man once again began to worry about the watchman and the safety of his prized horse. After unsuccessfully trying to fall asleep, he finally went outside to check on things. Near the stable he found his watchman standing and awake but lost in thought. The employer was excited to find out what his watchman was pondering this time. The watchman answered, “Tonight I am pondering the following: This is a sturdy stable with a locked door. There is a watchman standing guard outside. And the horse’s owner comes out almost nightly to check on things. Yet, somehow thieves succeeded in stealing the horse just the same. I am wondering how such a thing can happen.” The Rebbe of Peshischa told this story as a warning that, like the watchman, a person can be consumed by deep thought but totally overlook the point of his existence. There is so much to say and so much to learn in the Haggadah and at the Seder. Let us maximize our journey of exploration into Yetziat Mitzrayim. But let us make sure not to lose sight of the most important value. Here are a few that come to mind (not an exhaustive list): Emunah. Gratitude. The Uniqueness of Am Yisrael (and why others hate us). The importance of family. Jewish tradition. Jewish continuity. Eretz Yisrael. Geulah. Let us make sure that these fundamental values find expression on these most exalted nights of Pesach.
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