Our Rabbis of blessed memory tell us that just as our forefathers were redeemed in the month of Nissan, so too the future Geula (redemption) will be in the month of Nissan. In addition, the deeds that brought about their Geula will be the same ones that bring about the future one. One such act is that of Teshuba (Repentance). This is precisely why our Rabbis of blessed memory instructed us to examine ourselves at the time of Bediqath Hamess (searching for leavened) and remove not only our physical Hamess (leavened), but also the spiritual Hamess from our souls.
It is said "Ushmartem eth Hamassoth" - and you shall safeguard the Massoth (Matzoth) (Exodus:12:17). Since the word Massoth can also be read as Miswoth (commandments), our sages conclude this refers to the importance of safeguarding the Miswoth i.e. showing diligence and enthusiasm. Hakham Yoseph Hayyim 'a"h expounds on the meaning of this point by saying that G-d created a few main limbs in our body for the use of performing the Miswoth: eyes, ears, mouth, tongue, heart, hands and legs. One must pay special care not to bring any impurities upon these parts of the body with forbidden things, but rather should sanctify and purify them.
My dear friends, in the midst of our Pesah preparations and cleaning, let us set aside a few minutes to focus on the fact that Pesah is a holiday which symbolizes our redemption from Egypt and slavery. While yearning for the coming of Mashiyah, let us safeguard the Miswoth with zeal and eagerness, sanctifying our bodies which clothe the soul. We should not look at that which is improper, hear or speak Lashon Hara', or desire what is not ours. Rather, we should make a conscious commitment to do the opposite; especially we, as women, about whom it says "in the merit of righteous women our forefathers were redeemed from Egypt, and in their merit we will be redeemed."
