Happy Pesach!!
I’m sure I feel this way every year — but this year more-so than ever, I’m finding strength in the celebration of Pesach which celebrate the miracle of our existence.
The world currently, is a mess. Reading the news nowadays isn’t for the faint hearted. It could be downright disheartening. (although I think reading news is better than watching news as it comes with less spin and commentary).
Yet at the same time I’ve been reading about massive Pesach Seders at multiple college campuses. Over 1200 students at University of Florida — and the list really goes on. Even at Columbia University, which has been at the forefront of the news this past week —the Chabad house ran a vibrant Seder with a message from Rabbi Drizin that resonated deeply with me.
Tuning out the noise
"This will be the only time we mention what's happening out there," Drizin said, gesturing toward the door as he began the seder. "Matza is meant to be eaten without talking. It's a kind of meditation -- a way to tune out the noise. I want us at this seder to tune out the noise." We were just far enough away not to hear what was happening outside. Now Drizin wanted us not to think about it either”.
——————
How brilliant. Tuning out the noise.
Creating space to reflect on the miracle of our existence. Space to appreciate with immense gratitude the miracle that took place last Sat night as Iran tried viciously to inflict pain and damage to our brethren in Israel; space to focus on the tremendous gifts and blessings that we have in our lives; space to take a deep breath and break the cycle of fear that tends to build up when the mind unceasingly focuses on the negative.
Incredibly, by tuning out the outside noise we are able to hear a different tune. The proverbial message of Matzah. A message of hope and endurance. The truth about our existence. An eternal nation with a special mission of being a light unto the nations!
Yes, it’s a rough patch that needs activism and thoughtful attention yet it must be based on the immutable foundation of the Passover story.
“For with an outstretch arm G-d took us out of Egypt” — that same arm is outstretched — let’s tune out the noise and march forward with conviction, wisdom, strength and joy.
Happy 3536th Pesach & counting!
With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom & Happy Pesach,