I grew up in an irreligious home. We rarely belonged to a Temple (Synagogue was too traditional) and attending a service was even rarer. When we did go to temple you would never a yarmulke except on the Rabbi & Cantor (sometimes). The only tallitot were these little vest things that the clergy wore. The only Hebrew was the Sh'ma, the Torah/Haftarah readings and the Mourner's Kaddish (which is really Aramaic).

But every year, without fail, the Passover dishes and linens would come out, and we would have a full-blown Seder. The only other holiday we really observed was Hannukah, and that was only by lighting the Hannukia and singing Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages).

All over the world Jews from the least to most observant observe rituals. Why? Perhaps it is the L'Dor V'Dor (generation to generation) thing, or as Tevye said, "Tradition". But this "kesher" - connection - is what has sustained us through thousands of years of occupation, exile, pogram, shoah, and assimilation.

Every year we return to relive the story - next year in Jerusalem!


haggadah Section: Conclusion
Source: Robb Gordon