Tonight, at the Passover seder, Jews recite the Haggadah and celebrate the story of our freedom, our relationship with G-d and the real start of the Jewish nation.
Every year, the story takes on new meaning, and this year is no exception, as a new Pharoah and his accomplices try to take steps to deny the Jews their freedom and their nationhood...even down to trying to deny them homes in David's City, Jerusalem.
Only someone would no respect or knowledge of the Jew's history and religion would seek to do so.
Every year, the last words of the seder are 'לשנה הבאה בירושלים'...'next year in Jerusalem!'
The idea behind that heartfelt wish is not merely a longing for a place. It is a prayer for a time of peace, freedom and dignity. Those words were spoken both by the Jews remaining in Israel and by the Jews suffering through years of exile with the same idea - that one day, Almighty G-d would again perform a miracle on behalf of his Covenant with the Jewish people.
That miracle happened after centuries of blood, toil and pain and with G-d's help and Israel's strength and sacrifice, it will prevail. Of that I have no doubt whatsoever.
On the lighter side, my friend Yaakov over at The Dry Bones Blog explains absolutely everything you ever wanted to know about matzoh....
And of course, there's always the maniacs over at JibJab.com with `Matzoh Rap'!
My best wishes for a happy, kosher and wonderful Passover, and may you too celebrate as free men and women - Chag Pesach Sameach!
I'll be back Wednesday night.
Peace and happiness.
ReplyDeleteI don't know the appropriate greeting and "Happy Passover" while well intentioned sounds so Hallmark.
An idea of how I feel: http://holycoast.blogspot.com/2010/03/for-my-jewish-friends.html