Jews celebrate the first two nights of Passover with a joyous family event—the seder. We relive the experience of our ancestors as they were exiled and enslaved in Egypt, then liberated by G-d over 3,300 years ago. We recount the miracles of the exodus, and pray that the future redemption comes very soon.
Legacy
The Passover seder is celebrated with family and friends. It is imperative that our beautiful 3,300-year-old heritage be transmitted to our children. How else can we ensure the survival of the Jewish people? That is why our seder revolves around our children (and grandchildren) and their “four questions.” The Haggadah, in answer to their questions, gives them a synopsis of our early history up to the miracles of the exodus. This is quality time spent with our kids—the future of our nation—as we teach them what being Jewish is all about.
Significance
Egypt is not just a place on the map; it’s a state of mind. Mitzrayim, the Hebrew name for Egypt, derives from a word meaning “limitations.” Re-enacting the exodus every year expresses our rising above the personal limitations imposed on us by our nature or environment.
True Freedom
When G-d commanded Moses to bring the Jewish people out of Egypt, He proclaimed His ultimate purpose “…that they shall serve G-d upon this mountain (Mount Sinai).” Our liberation was not complete until we received the Torah on Mount Sinai. G-d’s Torah and commandments are the key to achieving true freedom—freedom not just from physical enslavement, but from all our limiting beliefs and behavior. The Torah shows us how to avoid the pitfalls that life presents us, and teaches us how to make this world a place of peace, harmony and happiness for all humankind.
Observances
The seder includes the following components.
• Haggadah—the story of the enslavement and exodus.
• Matzah—specially prepared unleavened bread.
• Wine—four cups of wine (or grape juice) consumed at certain points of the seder.
• Maror—bitter herbs to remind us of the bitter enslavement.
The Fifth Son
The Haggadah discusses “four sons”—four kinds of children and the questions they ask. All four are fortunate to be at the seder to ask their questions, but there is also a fifth son. He is the one who doesn’t come to the seder, because he (or she) doesn’t know of its importance. We should all try to bring these “fifth sons,” young or old, to the seder; inviting them to our own, or arranging for them to spend it with other Jews.
Children First
The exodus came to a climax on the 7th day of Passover, at the Red Sea, when the Egyptian army pursued them. Our people escaped as G-d parted the sea before them—but when the Egyptians followed, the sea flowed back; drowning them all. The song of thanksgiving our people sung includes the words, “This is my G-d, and I will beautify him.” This, say our Sages, was said by the children—the first to recognize G-d’s hand in the miracle. As intended victims of Pharaoh’s previous decree to kill them, they were already familiar with G-d, whose miracles had kept them alive.
Today, our youth should get an education that gives them a deeper perspective about their Jewish heritage—one that creates an awareness of their privileges and responsibilities as Jews towards themselves, their family and society.
Almighty G-d performed miracles and protected the Jewish nation from their enemy in those days. Likewise, may He help our brethren in Israel, who are experiencing difficult times from their enemies in our days. May there be everlasting peace and security for the people of Israel.
Wishing you and yours a happy Passover! Leshana Haba’ah B’Yerushalayim—Next year in Jerusalem!
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Rabbi David Laine is the director of Chabad Vocational Schools.
