Tag: zissen pesach

Wishing you a Zissen Pesach

I am stirred by the Steinsaltz Center’s understanding of Passover.  And with full attribution, I share their thoughts on the four key messages of Passover:

  • Freedom: Not just physical liberation, but spiritual freedom through identity, responsibility, and divine purpose.
  • Memory and Transmission: The night is built to spark questions so children will learn and connect.
  • Redemption: Faith in the past and hope for the future are embedded in every step of the Seder.
  • Final Reflection: The Seder is a bridge through time.By participating fully, each person is part of the collective memory and destiny of the Jewish people.

May we all enjoy a zissn Pesach, connecting deeply to our tradition and the timeless values of Judaism.

 

Chag Pesach Sameach and Shabbat Shalom

 

Ha Lachma Anya

The bread of the Poor

Buses unloaded their precious cargo at the intake center, women and children from Lviv and Kyiv.  Bewildered, they started the process of finding refuge after escaping terror but leaving husbands and fathers behind to fight for Ukraine. We reached across the language barrier and handed the children lollipops. Like our children, they delighted in this unexpected treat. The smiles and laughter strengthened moms, and together they tentatively walked forward toward the refugee center (I cannot show faces to protect the identities of families left behind).

 

This is the poor person’s bread- a bread of hope and compassion. HaLachma Anya is the simple but profound gesture of giving something to those who have less, even when we do not have much to share. Together, we are one step closer to redemption.