“In the darkness that surrounds our lives, there is a light we hold onto — a light of hope… right now in these tough times our faith is being tested but it also shines the brightest…”
It’s been over six months since the Jewish nation has been ripped asunder. Incredibly, these words above are uttered by families of hostages …
Where does the strength come from?
This is a question that will dominate for us all —at the Seder. It’s not one of the specified 4 questions yet the whole Haggadah’s response is designed to address this very challenge. Our whole history is one that requires meticulous unpacking, thoughtfulness, preservation and ultimately celebration.
To be sure, the answer isn’t given in PowerPoint form nor is it one that can be relegated to a few throw-away lines. It’s an answer that is weaved throughout the Haggadah. It’s an answer that is deliberate. One that slows us down and says let’s start at the beginning. Our story starts thousands of years ago and includes all four seasons of life — we never stall at one season or in one era, we keep trucking, questioning and ultimately celebrating.
As all good bedtime stories start—“once upon a time” and end “they lived happily ever after”— we know that by recounting the Haggadah and sharing the miracle of our existence with our families — the end will be “happily ever after”.
One season. One Torah. One people. One G-d. Am Yisrael Chai!!!
With blessings for a Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Yehuda and Dina
P.S. Watch the video and please light Shabbat candles this week with deliberate intention to increase light for the hostages, their families and all those in duress and missing their loved ones.
P.P.S. TZEDAKAH — It’s an added Mitzvah to increase with “giving” at times of celebration. As we celebrate our Heritage — please consider making a donation to Chabad — and furthering our ability to provide Heritage, Judaism & Celebration to our entire community. — Passover Donation link