This Passover, focusing on education and freedom

Recently I visited our students at the Chabad preschool — the Alan and Tatyana Forman JELC — and Hebr w school to wish the children a happy Passover and to gift them each with a box of handmade shmura matzo, generously sponsored by a friend of Chabad. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they received the matzah and the pride in their eyes as they showed me the seder plates they made filled me with immense nachas — pride.

Many children find excitement in the latest video games and technology. However, material possessions are temporary – they may be popular today, but tomorrow everyone may lose interest. Short-lived happiness is not true happiness.

It was heartwarming to see the children’s excitement over something timeless. They were not excited about the chocolate or sugar on the matzah (matzah is almost tasteless – made only of flour and water!); their excitement was about learning the eternal significance of Passover and the message it conveys, a perpetual message that applies to all generations.

Passover symbolizes one of the greatest privileges of any society, one that we are especially privileged to have in the United States: Freedom. Over 3,300 years ago, during this time of year, the Jewish people were freed from their enslavement in Egypt after centuries of servitude. Every year since then, Jews around the world celebrate Passover to commemorate this event and to celebrate freedom.

This past Sunday, on April 2, world Jewry celebrated the birthday of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the most influential Jewish leader in modern history. In his honor, President Biden designated this day as Education and Sharing Day USA.

The Rebbe rejected the belief that freedom is contingent on external factors such as possessions, wealth, and social status. According to the Rebbe, true freedom depends primarily on our inner state of mind. Freedom is a mindset that transcends any circumstance in which one may find oneself.

For this reason, we find people who live in dire circumstances with very difficult lives, yet are able to live happily and serenely. We also find others who have wealth, power, and so on, yet constantly feel trapped and imprisoned by worry and anxiety.

As parents, it is our responsibility to nurture our children’s inner freedom and instill in them a sense of pride for who they are. When I witnessed the children’s excitement and appreciation for the significance of the matzo and seder plate, I saw an expression of this freedom in their pure and joyful spirits.

As a rabbi, I have had numerous discussions with concerned parents who express a sense of unease in their children’s upbringing, despite having provided their children with everything they could desire. The essence of effective upbringing is not merely about providing material possessions.

Unfortunately, anti-Semitism and other forms of hate have been on the rise in recent years. While task forces and security measures play an important role in addressing these issues, the root of the matter lies in education. We must instill in children the awareness that there exists a Higher Authority to whom we are ultimately accountable, and that should be of utmost importance to them. This will give the children a content, meaningful, and happy life.

The most effective approach to combating crime and hate is to impart a moral code that emphasizes the values of love, compassion, and integrity.

At the seder, we read the “Haggada,” which is rooted in the commandment in Exodus, “V’Higadita lebincha” — you shall tell your child. Passover and the seder nights in particular, is a time to impart a message of truth, freedom, and morals to the next generation. It is an opportunity to teach our children and grandchildren about the importance of values and character, which will serve them well throughout their lives. This is the essence of true education.

Best wishes for a happy Passover!

Rabbi Shimon Kramer is the director and spiritual leader of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life. For assistance, email rabbik@chabadjewishlife.org or call (516) 833-3057.