From the Rabbi

As many recent surveys and studies note, Passover is the holiday most celebrated and observed by Jews in North America. And while some of you may justifiably contend that this honour belongs to the Days of Awe in the fall, the difference falls to the central event, namely the seder.

The seder is the premier home-based ritual practised by Jews of all stages, ages, and places on the Jewish spectrum. It’s our peoples’ annual homecoming. The hysterically (well, mordantly) funny Christopher Guest film “For Your Consideration” not-so-gently mocks this custom by misplacing its film-within-a-film’s action at a Purim seder gathering!

We dress up, certainly. Passover was the time of year I got my new shoes and dresses. We see folks, and — here is the crux of the matter — engage with people to whom we may be related, but not in relation.

Who are our kin? Does am yisrael chai — the People of Yisrael live? Of course we do! But as we shep nakhes — take pride — at the young ones who lisp, read or confidently sing out the four questions, we also may be schlepping through a ritual whose meanings and values may be in flux for us. I mean, just choosing a tune to Adon Olam can surface a remarkable amount of passion! So deciding whichhaggadah, with whom we make our seder, not to mention what tunes we use, can surface a great deal of tension, as well as joy, comfort, and nostalgia.

Creating a vibrant family- and community-centred Judaism is the dual challenge of this civilization era. Twenty-first century diaspora Judaism is in the midst of a huge paradigm shift, and its arc has not yet crested. So as you prepare for your seders, as hosts or guests, kindly treat kindly those with whom you will share this rich and tasty holiday celebration.