The Stick, the Horse, and the Illusion — Who’s Really in Control? Pesach

This morning’s Breakfast & a Class takes us beneath the surface of chametz and into something far more unsettling—the illusion of control. Through two powerful teachings of the Ben Ish Ḥai, we explore how a person can believe he is in charge, while quietly handing over the reins of his life. A man who thinks his stick killed a lion. A rider who lifts a stranger onto his horse—only to lose everything. These are not just stories; they are mirrors. And they force us to confront a difficult question: are we truly directing our lives, or have we slowly surrendered control without even realizing it? As we move from bedikat chametz to biur chametz, the message sharpens. Pesach is not only about removing crumbs—it is about reclaiming authority over the self. Knowing where we’ve given away control. Deciding what no longer belongs. And having the courage to burn it. This episode is direct, practical, and deeply relevant—because real freedom begins the moment we take back the reins.