The Lessons of Korech, the first sandwich
A highlight of the Passover Seder is the “Korech” combination, when we eat two pieces of matzah ‘sandwiching’ bitter herbs inside.

But why? Haven’t we already fulfilled the Mitzvah by eating the mandatory piece of matzah, followed by the required dose of maror?

We do so to follow Hillel’s (minority) interpretation of the verse, but what’s the point? How does eating the same two foods again in a different way enhance our appreciation of the Passover service?

Three Types
The Paschal lamb, the matzah and the maror symbolize three personalities: the inspired Jew, the “regular” Jew and the bitter Jew.

The Passover roast’s delicious taste and fragrant aroma symbolizes the inspired, passionate and invigorated Jew. The basic taste of matzah represents the average Jew who is neither turned off, but also not turned on; while the maror reflects a person who is bitter and resentful to our history and tradition, maybe also toward life in general.

On a more subtle level, these three foods represent the three basic character traits discussed in the book of Tanya: The wholesome Tzadik, the struggling Benoni and the weak faltering Rasha.

The sacred Paschal offering symbolizes the righteous Tzadik glowing with spiritual delight, delicious as a gourmet cuisine, pervaded with the light of his divine soul.

While the Tzadik is always inspired and passionate about G-d and Torah, the Benoni struggling in a bland milieu is represented by the unleavened matzah, while the maror reflects the faltering person whose actions are not in good taste.

Each of these three models is part of the Passover experience. Each, in its own way, aspires to higher spirituality and liberation; to free itself from the shackles that restrain it from reaching its potential.

Each of the distinct types has its special moment on the Seder table. But they are worlds apart. The Tzadik’s quest for deeper freedom are no comparison to the struggles of the matzah or the maror personality.

Yet Hillel insists that the Mitzvah is not valid if the lamb, matzah and maror weren't consumed as one. If the three types do not join and integrate as one entity, none could truly internalize the Passover vision.

It is not easy to combine such disparate types. How can the true Pesach Jew unite with the maror-like Jew without compromising his ideals? How can people from such divergent backgrounds and ideologies come together?

Hillel had that special quality of tolerance and sensitivity. The Talmud relates how Hillel welcomed three prospective converts who came with their conditions and limitations. In contrast to the judgmental Shammai who rejected them outright, Hillel's extraordinary patience brought them into G-d‘s covenant.

Some people have difficulty dealing with differing views and styles. When confronted with an opposing perspective, they feel compelled to de-legitimize their opponent.

Others, however, are better at dealing with strategies and paths that are different, even opposing, of their own. Not because they are moral relativists and don’t believe in absolute truths. No! They are very deeply committed to their ideals. Yet they are broad minded to calmly and patiently listen to ideas opposite their own, ready to discover that there may be two valid answers to the same question.

If the differing view undermines the Torah’s truths and we can’t embrace the other view as legitimate, we at least learn to understand the other person’s journey and where he is coming from.

Note that Hillel didn’t compromise his ideals and surrender to the prospective converts’ demands. Rather, he tried to get a feel for what was underlying their requests. Thus, there was no need to reject them. He could gradually show them to mature in their spiritual quest.

This is all summed up in Hillel’s famous teaching:

“Love your fellow as yourself—that is the basis of the whole Torah!”

Emulating Hillel
Before eating the “Korech” sandwich, we declare, “So did Hillel when the Temple stood. He wrapped some of the Paschal lamb, matzah and maror and ate them together…”

Without that preface, one might ask, “How can I celebrate with this Jew who rejects my beliefs and lifestyle? How can I truly embrace this person without forfeiting my cherished truths?

Good question. And the answer is:

“This is what Hillel did, when the Temple stood!” Even in the time of the Holy Temple, when there were many, many truly wholesome individuals, Hillel demonstrated love to the far and distant. Certainly, you and I, living now in non-Temple times, when we are mostly all matzah and
maror Jews, can reach out and join together at the Seder.