The Exodus

In the formative process of the exodus, the Jewish people leave a land that represents the height of pride, and they journey to a land of humility.

I think that Passover in general, and its seventh day in particular, is the perfect time to appreciate “the miracles that are with us daily,” as we say in the Amidah prayer.

We all face Red Seas in one form or another. But the good news is that just as God parted the waters for our forefathers when they left Egypt, He can part them for us as well.

Surely, freedom means the overthrow of rules? Why leave one bondage merely to enter another, even if only a symbolic one?

This Passover, as we retell the story of our journey from slavery to freedom, may we be mindful of the other people seeking to experience the same journey toward freedom.

Below are excerpts from Rabbi Aryeh A. Frimer’s book, chock-full of insights aimed at providing ample food for thought and discussion at the Seder. 

Why should one see themselves as if they personally left Egypt? Because it's the essence of redemption: giving everyone, no matter his situation, the inner strength of faith, hope, joy, serenity.

Real redemption requires sacrifice: only when every Jew embraces this burden will we truly understand the slavery and freedom in the matzah and the blood and jubilation in the wine.

The stories we tell ourselves define our reality – especially in turbulent times, when a clear narrative can be the difference between confusion and clarity, between despair and resilience.

As in the Jewish Bible, Israel also now stands at a moment that offers the hope of quiet. With a fragile cessation of hostilities holding for now, we feel just about ready to lift our heads and heart