The Passover Seder tells a sacred tale of degradation to freedom. Like the ancient Israelites, we too journey from vulnerability to strength, from despair to hope. In telling the story each year, we are reminded of our power to overcome and of our responsibility to alleviate the suffering of others. Each year we see ourselves in this story in a new way. That is the enduring power of the seder ritual. Our tradition reminds us that we can still find
meaning in challenging times. In fact, the holiday observance itself can bring comfort and help us to process the complicated feelings of our tragic times. Here are some resources to assist in making Passover meaningful this year:
The Reform Movement CCAR haggadah supplement with poems, readings and reflections on a post October 7th world.
Everyone Counts is a partnership of educational organizations dedicated to #BringThemHomeNow. Their supplement addresses how we can integrate hope for the return of the hostages into the seder.
The Shalom Hartman Institute supplement is made for reading ahead of time and for sharing at the seder table alike. It accompanies the Noam Zion A Different Night Haggadah on its 20th anniversary, a volume that remains one of my all time favorites!
Pardes also asks “why is this year different from all other years” with an in depth, downloadable Haggadah supplement that is a beautiful personal preparation with individual pieces that will offer insight to the seder table as well.
Kveller offers a concise, family friendly two page guide that is worth downloading for the seder table with tangible questions to guide the ritual for this moment.
This beautiful prayer For the Protection of Human Life, written by two colleagues, speaks to this moment and touched my heart. At Ritualwell you can find many other lovely reflections like this contemporary understanding of the Four Children.
The Truah Human Rights Haggadah helps transform the seder into a conversation about immigration, racism, workers’ rights, and forced labor.
Wishing you and your dear ones a meaningful Passover holiday as we say “next year in Jerusalem” dreaming of peace for all the land.
6:30 p.m. Shabbat Hallelu Service Services begin at 7 and will be led by Rabbi Sarah Mack, Cantor Judy Seplowin, and the Hallelu band in the sanctuary. Join us at 6:30 for hors d’oeuvres and schmoozing. JOIN LIVESTREAM HERE
