So much yom-tov – Pinchas
A lengthy section of the sidra sets out the laws of Rosh Chodesh and the festivals. The passage describing each occasion forms the maftir for each occasion. But by the time each maftir is read the festival is already ensconced and the preparatory work (e.g. getting ready for Pesach, building a sukkah, etc.) is over. Why reiterate what we already know?
For an answer think, if you will allow the analogy, of “Fiddler on the Roof”. Tevye asks his wife, “Do you love me?” What does Golde do? She lists all she has done for 25 years and says, “If that’s not love, what is?”
But Tevye has lived in the atmosphere of love for so long so why is his question necessary at all? The answer has to do with his and any husband or wife’s psychology.
But there is a principle of life here. Many things should speak for themselves, including the festivals; but to put it into words helps us to appreciate the nuances of the moment and thank God for our blessings.
