Passover is quickly approaching, with the holiday just under two weeks away! At the Passover Seder, we will recount the story of the Jewish people’s journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom and redemption. As a nation, the Jewish people encountered many challenges, but they also experienced triumphs and redemption, getting strength from their resilience, faith in G-d, and hope for the future. Moses, their leader, reassured the people that G-d would take them out of Egypt and be there for them.
We celebrate this time of freedom and redemption by gathering together at the Seder to retell the story of leaving Egypt. Why do continue to tell the story that happened so many years ago?
The Haggadah we read at the Seder says, in every generation, one must consider themselves as if they were redeemed from Egypt. This reminds us that our ancestors’ exodus was not just a historical event, but something that we can experience on a regular basis. The Hebrew word for Egypt, Mitzrayim, comes from the word metzeir, which means to limit. From time to time, we all face limitations, whether limits in what we can do, or limits in the belief in who we are and what we can be. Passover teaches us that we have the ability and strength to overcome our limitations to achieve a blessed life and experience our own personal sense of freedom.
At the JAA, we support one another, helping each person achieve their full potential. This year, as we gather around the Seder table, may we inspire and strengthen one another. May we be blessed with freedom, personal growth, peace, and unity and bring blessing to each other, to our community, and to the world around us.
-Rabbi Dovid Small