* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
I would like to send the following message from Israel to the Jewish world:
When we are trying to cope with so many challenges, how can we possibly get ready for Pesach? How do we prepare for Seder night which will be arriving in two weeks and two days? (no stress).
This week I heard an excellent way of thinking about Pesach this year. It will be Pesach distilled to its essence - focused, authentic, and fulfilling.
It’s worth focusing on Pesach’s main points, studying the mitzvot of the holiday, and learning what halacha requires from us regarding the removal of chametz. Of course, we should also try to support others - financially or emotionally - with their own Pesach preparations, but without taking on other projects that aren’t essential in our current circumstances. This is not the time for unnecessary expenses or to add more stress to a daily routine that is stressful already.
But we shouldn’t think of this as a miserable Pesach, one that we are forced to keep under trying circumstances. We aren’t just dealing with a worldwide epidemic as we were six years ago during Corona (Covid). This time it’s a Jewish story - about our identity, our essence, and our faith. We aren’t facing a virus that originated in China and then spread throughout the world, but an evil enemy who has been waking up every morning for decades intent on destroying us.
Think about all the hostages who have returned from captivity and will eat matzah - the bread of liberation - as free men. Think of the pilots who succeeded in eliminating those who “in each generation rise up against us to destroy us” sitting down at their Seder tables. This year Pesach will be a direct continuation of the story of the Haggadah - the story of the exodus from Egypt. While our physical circumstances will be challenging, our spiritual Pesach will be on a completely new level. Pesach this year might be more modest than usual, but it will also be much more meaningful.
May we have an authentic, meaningful, kosher and happy Pesach.
