Passover greetings

In every generation each person should feel as though she or he were redeemed from Egypt. As it is said: “You shall tell your children on that day saying, It is what the Lord did for me when I went free out of Egypt.” For the Holy One redeemed not only our ancestors, He redeemed us with them.”

The uniqueness of Passover is encapsulated in the above passage. It teaches us that Jewish history is also a timeless present, that Passover is not simply a commemoration of an important event in our past like the Fourth of July, but an event in which we participated and in which we continue to participate. We are meant to re-experience the slavery and the redemption that occurs each day of our lives. It is our own story, not just some ancient history that we retell each year.

I conclude with wishes to all for a joyous and meaningful Pesach. May the sweetness of the holiday enrich your lives and be brightened by the closeness of your family and friends.

Rabbi Paul Hoffman