It’s hard to believe that Passover is nearly here! In one week we will be sitting around our tables, participating in our Seders as we attempt to bring the lessons and values of the Exodus experience into our lives.
But just how do we do this? The key is to personalize the experience and use the Hagaddah as a tool rather than a script that we mindlessly read without any personal thought, creativity, activity, or discussion. The Seder experience was originally intended to be somewhat fluid, and the Hagaddah that we have now did not even exist until the 13th century. One of our earliest texts about Passover, the tenth chapter of Mishnah Pesachim, notes the importance of personalizing the experience:
“B’khol Dor Vador Hayav Adam Lirot Et Atzmo K’ilu hu yatzah mi-mitzrayim. “ In every generation a person is to see him or herself as if he/she left from Egypt. (10:5)
Our Seders are meant to be personal, relevant, fun and engaging. We should leave our Sedarim with the feeling that we have connected in some deep way with our heritage, our ancestors, and our story. We should leave our Sedarim with a sense that the Passover experience has something to teach us about our lives in 2011.
This is not as difficult as it may seem. Two easy resources:
1) Check out this article that will give you some practical tips about creating a meaningful Seder: http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Passover/The_Seder/Making_the_Seder_Memorable.shtml
2) If you have questions or want some specific suggestions, please feel free to call, e-mail, or stop by my “Seder Tips and Tricks workshop” tonight at 7PM.
If you don’t yet have a place for Seder, or if you are willing to host someone at your Seder, please call the office ASAP so that we can ensure that everyone has a Seder to attend this year!
Hag Kasher V’Sameach, Have a wonderful and meaningful Passover!