Clean The Chametz From The Heart: Help Bring the Geulah This Nissan

L’ilui Nishmat Sara bat Betzalel – Rebbetzin Sarah Schenirer, Founder of Bais Yaakov

Reviewed by Harav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, Harav Yeruchim Olshin, Harav Shmuel Blech, and Harav Elya Brudny

As klal Yisrael prepares for Pesach, our homes are turned inside out in the relentless search for even a crumb of chametz. Closets, corners, and kitchen cabinets are scrubbed and scoured in pursuit of complete cleanliness. Mi k’amcha Yisrael! What a remarkable nation we are.

But the seforim hakedoshim teach that while we eliminate physical chametz, we must also rid ourselves of its spiritual counterpart. Are we harboring grudges buried deep in the cracks of our hearts—resentments that go back months, even years? That, too, is chametz gamur—a spiritual inflation that must be rooted out. Chametz represents gaavah, arrogance and ego. The refusal to forgive often stems from an inflated sense of self. Matzah, by contrast, symbolizes humility, simplicity, and emunah. It invites us to let go, to forgive, and to move forward with grace.

We’ve just experienced Purim, a time of ad d’lo yada—not knowing the difference between “Blessed is Mordechai” and “Cursed is Haman.” The seforim famously ask: How can a person truly not know the difference? Even inebriation doesn’t obscure such basic facts. One answer offered is that in a state of pure simchah, we reach a deeper awareness that hakol min haShamayim—everything is from Hashem, and everything is for our ultimate good. We don’t always understand why we experience certain challenges, but perhaps they are tied to our own actions, or even to a previous gilgul. Maybe, just maybe, we were placed in certain situations to develop and model good middot for others.

The Chofetz Chayim, in Michtav Chai (#18), writes that although klal Yisrael has already endured enough suffering to merit the arrival of Mashiach, Hashem still desires that we greet him not in tattered garments, but in spiritual finery—dignified and uplifted. In other words, we must be ready. Anyone who works to promote this message and inspire internal growth is doing a great service to klal Yisrael.

Forgiveness is a process—just like bedikat chametz. It requires effort, honesty, and time. But Chodesh Nissan is an especially powerful time for geulah, and letting go of resentment can help bring the geulah closer, both for the individual and for the nation.

The seforim teach that the spiritual kochot and kedushah of each mo’ed return annually, providing us with extra siyata diShmaya to succeed in our spiritual efforts.

 

The Power of Forgiveness

The Tomer Devorah explains the profound impact of forgiveness. When we emulate Hashem’s middah of forgiveness, not only does Hashem pardon us fully, but He introduces additional mercy into our lives and the world—middah k’neged middah. And when we forgive lifnim mishurat hadin, beyond what is required, Hashem does the same for us. In that merit, He removes illness, prevents conflict, and brings salvation to those in need.

For those seeking practical guidance, the “Ten-Step Forgiveness Method” has received the encouragement of leading gedolim for its power to bring both emotional healing and spiritual growth. To receive a copy, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Ten-Step Forgiveness Method

1. Recognize that Hashem is Behind Everything

The person may have acted freely, but Hashem orchestrated the event for your benefit. (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 241)

2. Remember the Soul’s Journey

The seforim say we are all gilgulim. We may be here to forgive—or be forgiven—before entering Gan Eden.

3. Realize the Kapparah

Hurt and humiliation are an atonement. If you remain silent, you are spiritually cleansed—and your tefillot carry extra weight.

Tip: Write a letter to the person who hurt you. Express your feelings fully. Then write a letter to Hashem stating you forgive the person entirely, including any financial loss. In that merit, request your own personal yeshuah. Place both in an envelope and dispose of it when ready.

4. Give to the Other Person

Love is built through giving. Whether through a small gift, a tefillah, or a kind gesture, extending goodness helps dissolve resentment.

5. Shrink the Ego

Hurt often comes from a bruised ego. Humility allows healing. The prouder a person is, the harder it is to forgive.

6. Acknowledge Human Fallibility

We all make mistakes. Have we not hurt others ourselves? Extend the grace you’d want in return.

7. It’s Likely Not About You

Often, the person who hurt you may be dealing with jealousy, pain, or low self-worth. Develop your own self-esteem and self-love, and you’ll stop internalizing others’ flaws.

8. Search for the Lesson

Ask: “What can I learn from this?” Understanding the lesson often melts away the negativity.

9. Zoom Out to Eternity

Ask yourself: “Do I want to spend eternity with people who hold grudges—or with those who forgive and elevate?”

10. Verbalize It

Say aloud: “I fully forgive [Name] and anyone who has ever hurt me, even if I don’t remember.” Speak it. Own it. Free yourself.

You’ve now accomplished something remarkable.

The Chofetz Chaim writes that if someone causes you financial harm and refuses to repay, you need not fight. Hashem Himself will repay you—b’chesed and in full, even double.

“Forgiveness is not surrender—it is victory.”

Let’s enter Pesach not just with crumb-free kitchens, but with cleared hearts, softened spirits, and a readiness to greet the geulah. May we all merit true personal redemption—and the arrival of Mashiach—bimheirah b’yameinu.

For a copy of the Ten Steps or more information, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 845-642-0976. Available in six languages.