We are in the midst of a very special time that deserves our increased attention. The holiday of Pesach marks the journey that the Israelites took out of slavery in Egypt as they became their own nation in their own land.
We often think of the holiday of Passover as one that is filled with ritual obligations designed to help us place ourselves as though we are the Israelites as they started their journey from slavery to freedom. We are meant to see ourselves as having taken the same steps, but it is not simply a historical reflection or retelling. It is also an opportunity to do the deep work of removing the literal chametz from our homes and from our spiritual selves as well.
It is a holiday of action on multiple fronts. It is physical, emotional and intellectual. Personally, preparing for Passover on the spiritual plane has always been challenging for me. I tend to find myself immersed in the business of ordering brisket, cleaning my car and making sure that my matzah balls come out just right. This is something I continue to work on and have felt this call more in the last couple of years since Oct. 7, 2023, as our brothers and sisters in Israel are enslaved in Gaza…
You care about Israel, peoplehood, and vibrant, ethical Jewish communities. We do too.
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