ancestors, present to the danger of the moment, yet nourishing themselves with haste in preparation for the dance towards freedom. Like our ancestors, we are never totally free. We live life surrounded by plagues and, as Deborah Lipstadt reminded us at yesterday's seder hosted by The White House (you can enjoy the seder here ) the world is always in imbalance between brokenness and wholeness. While we cannot perfectly mend what has shattered, we can transform what is broken by returning it to us in nourishment, ala the afikoman which we create, hide away, and then return to ourselves and our seder guests so that we may rise up in hope, joy, and praise.
As you sit down to seder this evening, I hope you enjoy the tastes, the smells, the memories, and especially the telling of the story, past and present, ancient, old, and as new as today. For those looking to connect more deeply with those in Ukraine, you might include some of these current reflections from the JDC. If you have trouble remembering the many stanzas of Had Gadya or just want to enjoy the wonderful composition by Moyshe Oysher, arranged by Matti Lazar, check out this version of Chad Gadyo from the HaZamir Gala Concert in 2015. Feel invited to add to your seder table, building on the memories of the past and connecting with the call for this festival to be one of zikaron/memory, not just for what was but for what can be. Redemption does not just occur, it is up to us to go after it with intention, with purpose, and with love. In our home, we'll be adding a bowl of Israeli olives to the table, for snacking, for connection with the land of Israel, and with commitment to paying attention to the ways in which we might bring peace. May your stories and your steps move you towards liberation.
Shabbat Shalom and Hag Kasher v'Sameach!
rg
