Pesach

INTRODUCTION
Dear Friends,

Below are a number of readings that I hope will enhance your Pesach Seder.

In addition to the readings, please consider this slight but meaningful addition to your Seder:

At the Beginning of Maggid:
“This year we are here; next year in the Land of Israel.”

Our celebration is shadowed by the knowledge that, as of April 12, 2025, 59 of our brothers and sisters remain captive in Gaza. For 554 days, they have endured unimaginable hardships since their abduction. Among them are Edan Alexander, Matan Angrest, brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, Ram Braslavski, and Maxim Herkin.

Their kidnapping is a painful reminder that our journey to collective freedom is far from complete.

At the End of the Seder:
“Next year in Jerusalem.”

As we conclude the Seder, let us hold these individuals in our hearts and prayers. Their families endure each day with unwavering hope, longing for the moment they can embrace their loved ones once more. By mentioning their plight during our Seder, we reaffirm our commitment to freedom, unity, and the belief that no Jew should be forgotten.

1. Rabbi Marc Gitler

One of the enduring tragedies of human history is how little seems to truly change. As Kohelet bitterly observes, “There is nothing new under the sun.”

Thousands of years ago, there was slavery, oppression, and suffering — and despite the march of time, we still see it today.

Pesach represents a break from this relentless cycle. It is not just the story of one nation’s freedom, but the story of what it means to shatter the very assumption that nothing can change.

The Exodus is the moment when, against every law of history and nature, a nation of slaves walked out of bondage with heads held high—not because of military might, but because G-d intervened, and because human beings rose to the challenge.

Pesach is not merely a historical event. It is a living force. Every year, we are commanded to see ourselves as if we personally left Egypt. The redemption of Egypt is a promise: even in our personal and national Mitzrayim, freedom is possible. Pesach whispers that G-d can interrupt the cycle at any moment. Redemption is always within reach.

2. From A Passover Haggadah by Elie Wiesel

As we recite the Haggadah, we have the strange feeling that, once again, we are living in Biblical times.

My generation has seen both the paroxysm of evil and the fulfillment of promise. We have witnessed horrors and miracles, darkness and redemption.

Passover is a cry against indifference—a call for compassion and hope.

3. The Four Sons

The Four Sons—the Wise, the Wicked, the Simple, and the One Who Does Not Know How to Ask—reflect different spiritual states we all experience.

Each of us contains aspects of these archetypes. The Seder challenges us to engage with every part of ourselves—and to respond to others with the same understanding.

It’s a time for self-reflection, growth, and empathy across different journeys.

4. Bergen-Belsen Prayer (1944)

By Rabbis Aaron Davids & Abraham Levisson

Before eating chametz, say with intent:

“Our Father in Heaven, it is known to You that we desire to fulfill Your will and observe Passover by eating matzah and avoiding chametz. But we are in danger. We accept Your commandment to live by Your laws—not die by them. Sustain us and redeem us so that we may serve You fully. Amen.”

5. Matzah – Netziv, Commentary on Exodus 13:3

Matza, made only of flour and water, is pure—unlike chametz, which represents human interference.

Matza symbolizes survival through divine spirit, reminding us of our reliance on G-d, not human artifice.

Discussion Prompt:
Is technology a barrier or a bridge to holiness? Can it enslave or liberate?

6. Marror – The Taste of Bitterness

The mitzvah of Marror must be tasted—not just performed.

It reminds us to confront hardship rather than avoid it. Through tasting bitterness, we create space for transformation and healing.

Reflection:
What difficult truth are you avoiding? What must you taste before you can be free?

7. Rabbi Irving Greenberg

The Torah calls the holiday “Chag HaMatzot,” while we call it “Pesach.”

Just as lovers praise one another, G-d praises Israel’s trust in Him, and we praise G-d’s salvation.

Let this remind us of the value in praising others and seeing their goodness.

8. Cup of Elijah

Rabbi Yosef Avidah noted that Rabbi Moshe Chagiz wrote about sleeping next to Eliyahu’s cup to show eagerness for the coming of Moshiach.

Humorous Insight:
Maybe your spouse didn’t fall asleep because they were tired—they were just ready for Eliyahu!

L’shana Haba’ah B’Yerushalayim.