For we were once strangers….

JVL Introduction

Passover is one of the most important Jewish festivals that marks Jewish liberation from enslavement and oppression.  It starts tonight (Friday 15th April 2022) and on Monday we will host a Liberation Seder with our partners.

Whether we are secular or religious, Jews usually mark Passover (Pesach) in some way; on the first two – Seder – nights the Haggadah (the book that tells the story of the escape from Egypt) is read, the ritual food is eaten, the four glasses of wine drank, some wine is spilled, the four questions asked by the youngest child present, the matzo is hidden, then found and songs are sung.

Many Jews also include newer stories relating to those currently seeking liberation, whether in South Africa in the past or now in Palestine, Myanmar, Ukraine or any or all of the far too many countries where freedom is denied. not least where it is denied on the basis of skin colour, religion, sex, gender or sexuality.

Six years ago Rabbi Brant Rosen published these four questions for Seder night, with these answers. They seem especially apposite for those of us in the UK, of all faiths and none,  just one day after the announcement that the government, rather than reaching with an outstretched arm to welcome, plans instead to send those fleeing war and persecution today thousands of miles away.

Chag Pesach Sameach to all who are celebrating Passover; may we all remember why we mark this exodus every year.

“…we were set free from Egypt
that we might release our pain
by reaching with an outstretched arm
to all who struggle for freedom.”

This article was originally published by Shalom Rav A Blog on Mon 18 Apr 2016. Read the original here.