Although Passover is more than two months away, we are introduced to the holiday for the first time in this week’s Torah portion. So let’s talk a little about what this holiday represents and how we observe it; specifically, the focal point of the holiday—the Seder.
The Passover Seder is much more than a family dinner or a night of storytelling—it’s a chance to connect with the miracles that shaped who we are. On this night, we don’t just remember that we left Egypt; we relive it by telling the story in detail, focusing on the incredible ways G-d saved us and gave us freedom. This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s something personal and relevant to our lives today.
The Torah tells us: “Remember this day when you went out of Egypt.” The great Jewish scholar Maimonides says that this command is similar to the mitzvah to remember Shabbat: “Remember the Shabbat day to sanctify it.” At first, this might seem like a strange comparison—what does Shabbat have to do with leaving Egypt? But the connection teaches us something important.
Remembering Shabbat isn’t just a quick thought or a “mental note.” It changes how we live—on Shabbat, we stop working, we rest, and we make the day special. Similarly, remembering the Exodus at the Seder isn’t about briefly acknowledging it. It’s about actively telling the story, diving into the details, and making it come alive.
All year long, we mention the Exodus in our prayers, such as in the Shema. So, what’s different about the Seder night? The difference is in the way we engage with the story. On a regular day, it’s enough to give the Exodus a quick mention. But on Passover, we’re meant to sit down and really tell the story—what happened, how it happened, and why it matters.
This is like the difference between glancing at an old photo and sitting down with your family to tell the full story behind it. On Seder night, we take time to explore the details, ask questions, and truly appreciate the miracles.
When we think about the Exodus, we often focus on what we left behind—slavery. But there’s more to freedom than just breaking free from chains. The Exodus didn’t just free us from Pharaoh; it transformed us into something new.
Imagine someone quits a terrible job with an awful boss. Sure, they’re no longer stuck in that situation—but does that mean they’re truly free? True freedom is about having a sense of purpose, direction, and the ability to live a meaningful life.
That’s what the Exodus gave us. G-d didn’t just take us out of Egypt and leave us to figure things out on our own. He elevated us to a new level, giving us a mission and a way of life that lifted us above the struggles of the past.
The Seder reminds us that freedom isn’t just about what we don’t have—like no longer being slaves—but about what we do have. It’s about living with purpose, connection, and gratitude. The story of the Exodus isn’t just ancient history. It’s about how we can find freedom in our own lives today—freedom from habits or situations that hold us back, and the ability to live the lives we’re meant to live.
And yes, this is relevant even in the middle of winter, when Passover and spring seem like a distant dream, because it gives us hope for the future. Just like G-d performed incredible miracles during the Exodus, we believe that even greater wonders will happen when the ultimate redemption arrives. It’s a reminder that life is moving toward something beautiful—a world of peace, freedom, and rest for everyone.
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