When does the Mitzvah of "Zachor Es ha'Yom ha'Zeh" apply?
Rashi #1: It applies every day.
Rashi #2 (to 12:14): It applies to the fifteenth of Nisan - the day they left Egypt. 1
Rambam (Hil. Chametz u'Matzah, 7:1): It applies to the night of the fifteenth (Seder-night). 2
Why does the Torah write, "Lo Ye'achel Chametz," and not 'Lo Sochelu Chametz'?
Pesachim 21b: To teach us that Chametz is Asur b'Hana'ah. 1
Yerushalmi Pesachim, 2:1: It implies that Chametz may not even be given to be eaten by dogs - even animals that are Hefker - implying a total Isur Hana'ah. 2
Mechilta: It comes to forbid the one who feeds, just like the one who is fed.
What is the connection between the end of the Pasuk and the beginning?
Oznayim la'Torah: When you remember that Hashem took you out of Egypt - without your participation; you will not prepare your dough leavened, which requires your participation (i.e. the kneading process) to complete it, but rather as Matzah, where the dough bakes automatically in the oven without your participation.
Maharal: Refer to 13:3:3.2:1.
What does "Chozek Yad" (a strong hand) refer to, and what is its significance?
Maharal (Gevuros Hashem Ch. 45, p. 174): "Yad Chazakah" and "Zero'a Netuyah" mean changes to the laws of nature. Our leaving Egypt in this manner showed that Yisrael had risen above their Chomer 1 (physicality), and were ready to accept the Divine Mitzvos. 2
For more on Maharal's terminology, refer to 12:12:7.6:3*.
Why does the fact that the Exodus came "with a strong hand," serve as a reason not to consume Chametz?
Maharal (Gevuros Hashem Ch. 60, p. 265): The more power one puts into an action, the faster it takes place. Thus, 'Chozek Yad' conveys that the Redemption took place hurriedly. To commemorate this event, Chametz - which is made through delay - is forbidden; rather, we are commanded to eat Matzah - made in haste. 1
Also see 12:15:154:5 and its note.
Bearing in mind the principle of 'Semuchim,' what is the connection between the end of this Pasuk ("v'Lo Ye'achel Chametz"), and the beginning of the next Pasuk ("Ha'Yom Atem Yotze'im" (13:4))?
Pesachim 28b: It teaches us that Chametz by Pesach Mitzrayim, was only forbidden for one day. 1
See Torah Temimah, note 16.
Why does this section ("Kadesh" - 13:1-10) mention the prohibition of Chametz, and the Mitzvos of Matzah and Sipur Yetzias Mitzrayim; whereas the next section ("v'Hayah") does not?
Refer to 13:2:151:1 and its note.
QUESTIONS ON RASHI
Rashi writes: "'Zachor Es ha'Yom ha'Zeh' (remember this day) - This teaches that we [must] mention the Exodus from Egypt, every day." What is the derivation?
Gur Aryeh: Grammatically, the word "Zachor" is in "Makor" form (constant present tense). 1 A parallel instance of this word is found in the Aseres ha'Dibros - "Zachor Es Yom ha'Shabbos" (20:8); and Rashi (loc. cit.) explains similarly - "take heed to remember Shabbos constantly."
Had it been a Tzivui (command), the first letter would have a Sheva (Zechor), rather than a Kamatz ("Zachor"). Maharal (Gevuros Hashem, beg. Ch. 2, p. 23) - Although the Rambam cites this Pasuk as the source to tell the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim on Pesach night, Maharal questions this. He supports Rashi, citing an alternate verse for the once-yearly Mitzvah on Pesach.
Rashi writes: " ... We [must] mention the Exodus from Egypt, every day." Why?
Maharal (Gevuros Hashem Ch. 39, p. 147): Just as we must remember the Shabbos on every day throughout the week 1 - because all the weekdays point to Shabbos, which is the perfection of Creation; so too, we must constantly remember Yetzias Mitzrayim - which is the perfection of world history, when Am Yisrael became a nation. 2 Just as all of a person's future events are dependent on the hour of his birth, so too does all that befalls Am Yisrael depend on Yetzias Mitzrayim.
See the preceding question, 13:3:1.1:1.
This event perfected Creation, as Yisrael was the last of the nations to emerge. For more about the relationship between Yetzias Mitzrayim and Shabbos, refer to 12:3:2.02:1.
