Each and every Passover we are taught to see ourselves as being liberated from slavery in Miztrayim (Egypt), which in our tradition is understood as the “narrow place,” derived from the word meitzar. Mitzrayim is not about a specific location, but rather a narrow state of mind or set of circumstances that obstructs our ability to live healthy, fulfilling, and peaceful lives.
On the seder nights, we are invited to draw inspiration from the Passover story and dream a journey of freedom that applies to our own lives and the societies in which we live. Redemption is not a one-time occurrence that happened to our ancestors thousands of years ago; it is an ongoing experience that requires our utmost attention.
Unfortunately, at this time, many of us are experiencing Mitzrayim on many fronts: the ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza, fear of further escalation of tension between Israel and Iran, worries regarding the outcome of the presidential election in November, the climate crisis, etc. Some of us have health issues, some of us have lost loved ones recently and some of us are dealing with painful situations in our personal lives.
These are very stressful times. Because of that it is my wish that we all remember to take care of ourselves – physically, emotionally, and mentally. Let us hold fast to our most loving and supportive relationships. Let us choose to love whenever possible. Let us choose to be grateful for the life that we have. Let us reach out to friends, family and to those in need. Let us enjoy what we can — the purring of a cat, the tweeting of a bird, the sprouting of seedlings, the flowering of trees, a good book, a beautiful piece of music, a prayer, a seder, the smile of a beloved, a gathering with like-minded people. I promise that I will try to do the same.
Chag Pesach Sameach.
B’ahavah,
Rav Gavrielle
