Passover greetings from local Rabbis

The universal message of Passover

Passover, known as Pessach in Hebrew, transcends its origins in Jewish tradition to embody profound universal themes of hope and liberation. At its core, Passover commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, a journey from bondage to freedom that holds timeless significance for all humanity.

The story of Passover speaks to the universal longing for liberation from oppression and injustice. It reminds us that the struggle for freedom is not confined to a specific time or place but is an enduring aspiration shared by people of all backgrounds. The Israelites’ quest for freedom reflects the universal human desire to break free from personal constraints and societal limitations.

Passover invites each of us to reflect on our own paths to liberation. Just as the Israelites faced obstacles and challenges on their journey, we too encounter barriers to our personal growth and fulfillment. Passover teaches us the importance of perseverance, courage, and faith in the face of adversity.

Moreover, Passover underscores the concept of renewal and transformation. The rituals of the Passover Seder, such as the retelling of the Exodus story and the consumption of symbolic foods, symbolize the idea of spiritual renewal and rebirth. This theme resonates universally, offering an opportunity for all individuals to reflect on areas of their lives where they seek renewal and positive change.

The message of Passover extends beyond religious boundaries to inspire a vision of a more just and equitable world. The call to remember and retell the story of the Exodus is a call to action against all forms of oppression and discrimination. It challenges us to work towards a society where everyone can experience the dignity and freedom they deserve.

In essence, Passover is a celebration of resilience, hope, and the enduring human spirit. It invites people of all backgrounds to unite in the pursuit of a better future — one marked by freedom, justice, and compassion. As we commemorate Passover, let us embrace its universal message and strive to create a world where liberation and renewal are attainable for all.

— Rabbi Michel Schlesinger

A Passover Message

Every Passover we recall the Exodus from Egypt during the events of the Seder. There are many highlights in the Passover seder, but one that stands out to me is called Ha Lachma Anya, or “This is the bread of affliction.” Now, I know that sounds like a pretty ominous title, but it’s actually a prayer of compassion:

“This is the bread of affliction that our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. Anyone who is hungry, come in and eat. Anyone who is in need, come and find a place at our Pesach table. Now we are here. Next year in the land of Israel. This year we are slaves. Next year we will be free.”

Ha Lachma Anya is a literal invitation to anyone who is going hungry to join the Seder. While I could speak more about food security, I want to focus on a different aspect of this passage. One of the things that makes Ha Lachma Anya interesting is that is written in Aramaic. For a bit of background, when Jews started having Seders in the form we would recognize today, the common spoken language was Aramaic. Hebrew would have been somewhat intelligible, but it still would not have been easily understood. Instead of calling out the invitation in Hebrew, which may have alienated the people who were in need, Ha Lachma Anya is said in Aramaic, so that it could actually reach the ears of those who needed to hear it.

On the other hand, it is ironic that Ha Lachma Anya has been kept in Aramaic over the years, long after Aramaic became a little-used language. It is highly unlikely that someone in our modern society would be able to understand Ha Lachma Anya if we were to issue the same invitation today.

Originally, Ha Lachma Anya was probably said at the very beginning of the Seder, so if someone were going to join, they would be able to participate in the whole event. However, in the current Seder format, Ha Lachma Anya appears three or four sections into the Seder. If someone were to actually join the Seder at that point, it would be disruptive to everyone else and could easily make the person in need feel more self-conscious about being there in the first place.

Even though both the linguistics and current placement of Ha Lachma Anya undermine its original message and intent, I believe it also teaches us an important lesson. Almost all of us have opinions on, well, just about everything, but sometimes our whole family or friend group doesn’t share the same perspective. What we say and what we think are important, but if we don’t say it in a way that others are willing to hear, or if we say it at a wrong or inconvenient time, our message and intent is likely to be lost. In the future, whether going to a Passover Seder with our friends and families, or whenever we come together as a group in general, keep in mind the lesson of Ha Lachma Anya.

— Rabbi Caroline Sim