In Maggid, we begin with the words: "This is the bread of affliction that our fathers ate in Egypt. Whoever is hungry-- let him come and eat. Whoever is needy-- let him come and celebrate Pesach."
This declaration, known as "Ha lachma anya," is written in Aramaic, which was the spoken language at the time of the composition of the Hagada, so a needy person passing by could understand it. Giving to the poor on Pesach is actually a commandment codified by the Shulchan Aruch.
However, a problem can be raised: why is there a commandment to invite the needy to meals only at the seder and not at the meals of other Yomim Tovim?
To answer this obvious difficulty, I would like to address a quote from the Vilna Gaon, who in his book Aderes Eliyahu states the following: the three greatest events in the history of the world are the creation of the world, the redemption from Egypt, and the receiving of the Torah.
What makes these events the greatest of all time? While these events were all very miraculous, their true greatness lies in the fact that firstly, each of these is an ongoing process, and secondly, we are partners with Hashem in these events. Now how do we explain this?
First, the Creation. Hashem is constantly active in this process. Furthermore, whenever we plant trees (for example), we are continuing this creation process with the help of Hashem.
Next, the giving of the Torah. Whenever we involve ourselves in the learning of Torah, we are continuing the event of the giving and receiving of the Torah. This is another form of partnership with Hashem.
Finally, let us analyze the redemption from Egypt. Yitziat Mitzraim began a process of redemption that has continued throughout Jewish history and will end with the bringing of Mashiach. We have to play a role in this as well. How are we supposed to accomplish this? The more we help one another, the closer we bring Mashiach. We are not expected to save the entire world, just as we are not obligated to fill all the land with trees, nor must we spread the Torah to everyone in the universe. Rather, we should try to accomplish the goals of Creation, Torah, and Redemption on a more personal level.
On Pesach we have a special commandment to welcome the needy into our homes. If a person knows someone who is hungry, he should feed him. It is fitting that we do so on Pesach because Pesach is the season of Geula, and it is said that giving tzedaka brings the Geula closer. By redeeming any needy individuals that we know from their poverty at this critical time, we become partners with Hashem in redeeming the entire Jewish people. Let us hope that by fulfilling the opening words of Ha lachma anya we merit its closing words: "Next year in the Land of Israel...as free people."
Josh Lustiger is a freshman at MTA