Holiday of symbols

Since the exodus from Egypt more than 3,000 year ago, the Jewish people have been commanded to retell the story of Passover to our children, not only in light of the historical events, which occurred, but also in relation to the realities of today. As we sit down for the Seder with our families, I offer you these interpretations of the Passover symbols.

The karpas, parsley, a symbol of spring, reminds us that just as seasons change for the better, so can life. We all know the old saying, “March comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb.” Just as winter’s storms ultimately pass, so too, the storms that come into our lives pass. With faith in God and ourselves, never losing hope, we too can weather the hardships that come into everyone’s life and emerge to a new day of renewed love, happiness and peace.

The Hillel sandwich, a combination of the sweet charoset and bitter maror, reminds us that we have the strength to overcome the bitter and difficult times in our lives and that we should enjoy the sweet moments in life while we have them.

The afikoman, the broken half of a piece of matzo, reminds us of our need to work for Jewish unity; that we should not be a people broken or divided against itself. With the resurgent’s of anti-Semitism across the globe and the seemingly constant condemnation of Israel by several countries and violence perpetuated almost daily by Palestinians against innocent Israelis, this lesson takes on greater meaning this year.

It is as important today as ever to take the afikoman message to heart and recognize that we are, indeed, one people of one faith and one fate responsible one for the other.

The shank bone symbolizes the Holocaust, for what else can a piece of burnt flesh be? As we remember the Shoah, let us take its central lesson to heart: “That no one will save the Jews, save the Jews themselves.” With this in mind, we must strengthen our commitment to Israel. We have the responsibility to support Israel with all our hearts and souls and means at our disposal.

The egg is at the very heart of the Seder for it represents our children. We are all familiar with the expression, “It’s all about me.” This approach to life is as unwholesome as it is un-Jewish. However, the Seder is all about tour children. It is their need to learn, to understand, to remember and to celebrate that we focus on at the Seder.

From the days of Abraham, we were taught that unlike other peoples, we do not sacrifice our children, but rather sacrifice for our children. Our children and grandchildren are the future of the Jewish people, the future of the world, our immortality and sacred trust. We enrich their lives and help them on the way to secure a happy future when we show them, teach them about the glory, beauty and joy one can find as a Jew who is involved with their people, temple and community.

Wishing the members of our Five Towns community a Zissen Pesach of sweetness, health, happiness and family love.

Rabbi Rosenbaum is the spiritual leader of Temple Israel of Lawrence.