Part 2
Favors From the Enemy
And let them ask every man of his neighbor and every woman of her neighbor...and G-d gave the people favor in the eyes of the Egyptians
(Ex. 11:2-3)
When Jews are helpful to one another - offering assistance in times of need, acting kindly and loaning things to each other - G-d grants them favor even in the eyes of their enemies, and showers them with abundance and good fortune.
(Toldot Adam)
Removing the Taint
Draw out and take for yourselves lambs...and kill the Passover sacrifice
(Ex. 12:21)
The Children of Israel were commanded to purchase these lambs for the Passover sacrifice from the Egyptians. Because the Egyptians worshipped the lamb as a deity, it was disqualified for use as an offering. Buying it from them, however, would remove this taint and make it permissible, according to the law: "An object of idolatry sold by a non-Jew nullifies its status."
(The Rebbe of Sochotshov)
Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh
Three times a year shall all your males appear before the L-rd your G-d
(Deut. 16:16)
In the times of the First and Second Holy Temples, these pilgrimages to Jerusalem were made on the holidays of Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot. However, after Moshiach comes, they will be made every Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh. Furthermore, when Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbat, two pilgrimages will be made on the same day -- one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
(Peninei HaGeulah)
The Length of the Festival
And on the fifteenth day of this month is the feast; seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten
(Numbers 28:17)
The festivals of Passover and Sukkot, which fall during a time of year in which [agricultural] work is not done, last for seven and eight days respectively.
Shavuot, however, which occurs during the land's peak season of labor, is only one day (two days outside of Israel). From this we learn how careful the Torah is with people's money!
(Sifri)
