A Passover Message

It’s Only Words . . .

On Friday night, many of us will gather together to recite the Haggadah – the telling of the story of the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt which Jews have recited annually for millennium. The story is the same, but it is through the repetition year after year that we incorporate the message of Passover into our very being.

Amidst the family and the food, we will collectively recite the following passage: “Let all those who are hungry come and eat; let all those who are in need come and celebrate the Passover.” In ancient days – and in some homes today – this passage was and is taken literally, whereby those in need were invited into the homes of those who had enough. But in most modern homes, it is simply something we read.

If we take the time to hear the passage as it was meant to be heard, we may find that it refers not just to those outside of our doors, but to those at our table as well. What is it that we hunger for? What is it that we need? What is it that we might find in this story of slavery, exodus and redemption that will add meaning to our lives?

And at the same time, how can we add meaning to the lives of others?

There are nearly 1 billion people in the world today who go to bed hungry, many of whom will die from starvation and malnutrition; in America itself, nearly 1 out 5 children don’t have enough to eat. And throughout the world – especially in parts of Africa – slavery is still a rampant business. One would have thought that in the age of CNN and the internet, such practices would have been eradicated by the sunlight that the modern world heaps upon it. But sunlight only works when people are looking. At this year’s Seder, will we look? And when we do, will we act? Or will it just be words?

At this moment of introspection, may we be blessed with the gifts of understanding and compassion, and may we turn our words into actions as we seek to redefine ourselves by giving to others. May we ask not only the traditional 4 questions, but also the questions that Rabbi Hillel asked of us so long ago:

If I am not for myself, who will be for me?

If I am only for myself, what am I?

If not now, when?

And may we act, so that the true meaning of this holiday does not pass over us.

My deepest wishes to you and yours for a Zissen Pesach – a sweet Passover – and a joyous and meaningful Easter to all our Christian friends as well.

All my best,
Arnie
President & CEO