Weekly Dvar Torah: Don’t Pass Over the Fifth Son on Passover

Far away, under the shadow of Stalin and in fear of Hitler, Jews once studied Torah in secret, windows covered, guards watching. A young boy once said to his sister, “When Moshiach comes, we will open the shades and show the whole world, we are Jews! We can now study Torah without keeping it a secret.”

That is freedom.

Not just to be released from hardship. but to live proudly as a Jew, without fear, without apology.

That is what Pesach gives us.

Matzah is called the bread of faith and the bread of healing. It strengthens us from within, giving us the courage to rise above every limitation, real or imagined. Once a Jew is filled with that strength, nothing can stand in the way.

But there is one more thing.

At the Seder, we speak of four sons, but the Rebbe reminds us of a fifth: the one who never even shows up. The one who doesn’t know, doesn’t ask, doesn’t come.

Pesach is not complete without him.

Before we celebrate our own freedom, we must reach out, find him, and bring him home, with warmth, with love, without judgment.

Because true freedom is not only personal but also collective.

So as you prepare for Pesach, take a moment to tap into that strength, that faith, that healing, and let it carry you through the entire year.

And if you can, bring along one more Jew.

Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and kosher Pesach.

Have a Liberating Passover,
Gut Yomtov, Gut Shabbos, Gut Moed

Rabbi Yosef Katzman