The mitzvah of Pesach Sheni is a very difficult one to understand.  Why was the mitzvah of Korban Pesach singled out from all other mitzvot associated with Pesach for a second chance, if not performed in its appropriate time?

The Rambam in Hilchot Korban Pesach 5:1 tells us: “One who is impure at the time of the slaughtering of the Korban Pesach may not slaughter it.  If one is on a distant journey or is prevented in any other way or was unable to offer (in the month of Nissan), this individual may bring the Korban Pesach on the 14^th day of the second month (Iyar).”

There are other Biblical commandments associated with Pesach.  What are the ramifications if one was not able to buy matzah or was unable due to health reasons to eat matzah on the night of the 15^th of Nissan?  In addition, when we offer the Korban Pesach the mitzvah of marror is Biblical.  Accordingly, if we had no marror for Pesach, is there any mechanism in place to make up this mitzvah if not performed at its proper time?

The Torah tells us (Bamidbar 9:6): “There were men who had been contaminated by a human corpse and could not make the Pesach offering on that day…”  The Sifrei offers many explanations as to why these individuals were impure and unable to offer the Korban Pesach at its correct time in Nissan.  Rabbi Akiva maintains these men were Mishael and Elzaphan, Aaron’s cousins.  They were impure through coming in contact with the corpses of Nadav and Avihu.  They felt it was unfair to lose the chance to perform the mitzvah of the Korban Pesach because of their impurity especially when it was contracted through the performance of a mitzvah.  The Malbim tells us that since the death of Nadav and Avihu occurred on the 8^th of Nissan, Mishael and Elzaphan would still be impure on the 15^th of Nissan due to their contact with dead bodies.  As a result, they were prevented from offering the Korban Pesach on the 14^th of Nissan.

Rabbi Yishmael feels that these men were given the task of carrying the remains of Yosef.  As a result, they were not able to offer the Korban Pesach at its appointed time.  Lastly, Rabbi Yitzchok teaches us that there was an occasion of a Mais Mitzvah, the burying of a dead person when no one else is around to bury that person.  The individuals who observed this tremendous mitzvah were prevented from offering the Korban Pesach in their contaminated state.

Regardless of the individuals or circumstances, there were men who went to Moshe and Aaron saying (Bamidbar 9:7): “We are impure through a human corpse.  Why should we lose out by not offering a Korban L’HaShem in its appointed time among Bnai Yisrael?”  The answer to this question gave birth to the mitzvah of Pesach Sheni.  In effect, it gives those who are tamei in Nissan a second chance in Iyar a month later.  But why is Korban Pesach different or more important than matzah or marror?

 Rabbi Ben Zion Firer in Hegoina Shel Torah writes that the Korban Pesach is the key and cornerstone of Judaism.  Contained in the mitzvah of the Korban Pesach is remembering the Exodus from Egypt, splitting of the Sea of Reeds, the Mun and declaring that HaShem is the Manhig Ha’Olam.

Yet, if one would eat matzah and not offer the Korban Pesach, would we accomplish the same as if the Korban Pesach were offered?  Doesn’t matzah in some way remind us of everything HaShem did for us when we left Egypt?  In addition, the holiday of Sukkot also reminds us of the Exodus from Egypt. In fact, we should celebrate Sukkot on the 15^th of Nissan.  Just imagine eating the Korban Pesach with matzah and marror in a Sukkah!  (However, in order to answer those who might say that we are eating in the Sukkah for its shade from the heat of the sun and not as a command from G-d, HaShem pushed off the mitzvah of Sukkah until Tishrei).  If one was exempt from eating in the Sukkah, why not give us another chance in Cheshvan to eat in the Sukkah to make up for the lost mitzvah? 

The answer to this entire dilemma is very simple.  Eating matzah and the mitzvah of Sukkah marks events that took place after the Exodus from Egypt.  We eat matzah to remind us how the dough of Bnai Yisrael did not have time to rise since we were in haste while leaving Egypt.  The Korban Pesach was preparation for the geula, the redemption from Egypt.  Without the Korban Pesach there could be no redemption.

Shmot Rabbah 20 tells us “In the merit of Yosef, Pesach Sheni is offered.”  I think the connection is very clear for our times.  Yosef lived outside Eretz Yisrael from age 17.  Yet he remained steadfastly loyal to HaKadosh Baruch Hu in every way.  He was always preparing for his ultimate geulah, being reunited with Yaakov his father, and once again being part of the Sons of Israel.

There were many times in the history of the Jewish people that it seemed like the geula was about to occur but somehow it slipped through our fingers.  Do not worry; HaShem is giving us yet another chance.  Just like the Korban Pesach was a preparation for geulah from Egypt, the life of Yosef in all of its righteousness, should motivate us to prepare for the Geula Shlaimah, not only though words but by deeds.  Rid ourselves of the tumah in our lives and emulate the righteous life of Yosef HaTzadik and then we can begin our preparation for the geulah and then, please G-d, we will merit the arrival of Moshiach speedily in our days!

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