The Pesach offering had to be roasted whole—its head, legs, and inner parts together. This represented the complete rejection of Egyptian idolatry: not only the worship of the lamb, but also the elevation of intellect, power, or livelihood into ends of their own. True freedom requires the self-sacrificing service of G-d to permeate the intellect, conduct, and every faculty of a person. The centenary of the Tzemach Tzedek's passing recalls this integrated service, joining greatness in Torah with concern for the spiritual and material needs of both the community and the individual.

In the year of Hakhel, men, women, and children were commanded to assemble to hear the Torah; although each understood according to his ability, it was specifically the King who read before them. Awe of the King produces self-nullification, allowing the words of Torah to permeate each person completely. In our time as well, everyone with influence must gather the men, women, and children within his reach in a holy setting and inspire them with words of Torah that will shape their conduct throughout the coming seven years.