This year, we will gather for the Passover Seder — for a second year in a row — with Jewish brethren most likely still held captive in Gaza. Enslaved, enchained, and suffering the most excruciating of experiences, all while we sit at our tables retelling the story of our ancient enslavement in Egypt. Though our people have had an unbearably difficult year-and-a-half, it is imperative that we celebrate Passover to the fullest. We must not forsake our time-honored rituals and traditions just because we are enduring a difficult period in our history. In my view, quite the opposite. We must renew our sacred traditions as a reminder of why it is all so worthwhile.
Passover’s miracles were direct demonstrations of Divine power. God’s miracles enabled our movement from slavery to freedom. The Purim story is notably different. The Jewish people were saved, but it was human bravery, courage, and action that set the course for our salvation. Yes, we always believe in the hidden hand of God, but human fortitude and perseverance shifted the events of Purim in our favor.
This year, we ought to look to both Purim and Pesach for inspiration. God’s miracles, represented through the Pesach story, are fundamental. Our human fortitude and achievements, represented through the Purim story, are instrumental. We look to the hostage families who carry a broken nation on their shoulders, reminding the State of Israel’s politicians of its solemn pledge to the Jewish people; we look to the members of the IDF who are our heroes and defenders; we look to the Jewish activists on campuses across the country who refuse to back down from anti-Jewish bias and bullying; we look to the social media warriors who refute every lie and refuse to leave anti-Jewish prejudice unchecked. The list goes on. We are standing on our feet, unwilling to falter, because of our belief in our people, our tradition, and a deep sense of pride in our history.
We can draw from Purim and Passover as a means to fully embrace our rituals and customs this Passover. Again this year, I ask that you leave an empty seat at your seder table. As the great Jewish poet Emma Lazarus taught us, “Until we are all free, we are none of us free.”
May this Festival of Freedom grant us blessing, health, light, and hope.
Chag Sameach,
Rabbi Ari Isenberg
