Rashi explains the “v” in “veujr” has a dot upon it (which makes it to be considered nonexistent) to teach that it does not only mean very far off, but also if he were outside the threshold of the courtyard during the time of the slaughtering.
Rashi is stating that distance is not only measured in terms of geographics, but in terms of spirit. The Yerushalmi in Pesachim (9b) emphasizes this concept by stating, “the man is distant, not the journey.” Since the dot acts as a line drawn through the letter “v”, the word is thus read “eujr” instead of “veujr”, which is the masculine rather than the feminine form of “far”. The word then refers not to “derech” (way or journey), which is feminine, but rather to “iish” (man). The Pesach Sheini was meant not only for those who are close in spirit but geographically distant, but also for those who are geographically close, perhaps on the threshold of the courtyard, but who are themselves distanced ideologically. There are many of our people to whom the measurable distance in space is neligable, but who are distant in commitment, ideology and education. Nonetheless, deep within these people, the “Pintele Yid”, the spark of the Yiddishe Neshoma, cries out to be allowed to participate with the rest of Klal Yisroel. When a person who has been disoriented and alienated wishes to reenter the kehillah he should be given the opportunity to participate. This perhaps, is the message of Pesach Sheini.
We can derive another insight from the words of Rashi. A person may be near the threshold, but still remain very distant. He remains as far away as he wants to be. It is necessary for him to take that step forward on his own volition; even when he is helped across. Unless he desires this move, he will nevertheless remain as far away as before. “The person is distant” he is keeping himself separated and aloof “But the road is not far”, he need only take that initial step.
