There are so many wonderful symbols that we all will have at our Seder tables this evening! Each of them harkens to seders of our past as well as the powerful varied messages from Jewish tradition. And still, many of them are linked under one common theme. From the festival candles to “next year in Jerusalem,” from the parsley to the egg, from Elijah’s and Miriam’s cup to the final cup of wine, all these symbols present a sense of hope. Hope is an essential component of the Passover Seder. It is almost impossible to turn the pages of the Haggadah without being reminded that life is filled with struggle, but we must have hope that we will overcome all that is put in front of us.
For many, this past year has been filled with struggles. In light of everything that is happening at this moment in time, I feel extremely hopeful for the future. May these Passover symbols of hope lead us all to hope. May we have hope that our community will be together soon with family and friends, embracing one another with love and companionship. May we have hope that the communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community and the Jewish community will know brighter days without hatred and bigotry. And may we have hope that for all of those struggling with anxiety and depression due to this “new normal,” that their days will be filled with light. And lastly, I have hope that you will know peace and health.
May our hopeful declarations on this Passover be granted to us. Chag samei’ach/Happy Passover to you all,
