This Passover, Judaism's message of resilience matters more than ever.
In light of the global pandemic, we wonder and worry how our Passover Seders will be different this year. Will we still feel connected with family and friends from afar? Who will sing the four questions with our youngest cousin at home, in another state? As we create barriers for our health and stay inside, will we still open the door for Elijah?
Beyond all the echoes of isolation and advice on how to hold virtual seders, with fewer people around the table and a modified or less elaborate meal, beyond the celebration of freedom from slavery
,
one core message remains:
HOPE ISN'T CANCELED.
Throughout generations, no matter where Jews held their seders and no matter how difficult the circumstances of the given time, we open the door to Elijah the prophet to usher in redemption and hope. Amongst many holidays and traditions, only on Passover do we bridge our families and our homes to the outside world by getting up from our tables and opening our doors to a vision of a world redeemed.
This year, when we are all restricted from leaving our homes and passing through the threshold of our doorways into the world, let us still stand up; despite our isolation, anxiety, and despair, let us open our doors and hearts; let us join together – virtually
– and
send into the world the quintessentially Jewish message that hope is not canceled.
By holding on to hope, leaning on and supporting one another, and building our resilience,
we can wander and make it through this desert together.
May we come out a stronger community, a more united country, and a healthier world.
Wishing you health, comfort, and hope this Passover.
Warmly,
