This year, Pesach will be unique for the Jewish people everywhere. The other unique moment it brings to mind is the very first Pesach, the one in Egypt. Here are some moments to help fulfill the Sages’ proclamation that we should all experience Egypt.
- The Israelites in Egypt were told to stay in their homes
- They were surrounded by a deadly ‘wave’
- They knew that they would emerge stronger than they entered
- They knew that ultimately they would receive an identity and relationship with God and the Torah that would guide and secure every journey forward
And here we have arrived.
How is this Pesach different? How is this night different? We sit apart and yet together. We have scaled down the preparations so we can scale up the conversations. Our bodies are frustrated by the confinement while our minds are filled with the debates of Pesach: justice or mercy; joy or suffering; passive knowledge or prompted questions; the taste of tears or the taste of sweetness; have I been privileged all along or have I been enslaved and unaware?
The physicality of this Pesach has reduced but the engagement and comfort to openly share everything we feel has opened wide.
May God keep everyone safe, strong, healthy and redeemed with the coming of Pesach. When we open our doors and welcome Eliyahu this year, ask him to bring our prayers of strength to the next house he enters. May we keep connected and look forward to Next Year in Jerusalem sitting together.
Every generation brings its unique moment of history to the growing lessons we teach our children at the Seder. Let them see that the strength they are showing now is the strength that can serve them always.
Chag Kasher, Sameach veChazak.
Rav brachot,
Rachael