Covid-19 Intro

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Adapted from a few different sources on Haggadot.com

This book is a "haggadah" which means “telling.” Tonight we will be having a seder, which means “order”. Through this traditionally ordered ritual, we will retell the story of the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt, eat special foods that symbolize Pesach's many messages, and teach each other the traditions of Pesach, first celebrated more than 3,000 years ago. We also take this evening as an oppourtunity to be with community, friends, and family, to reflect on our roles during COVID-19.

Passover is rich in social justice themes. It is impossible to study the story of our redemption and not feel compelled to eradicate injustice in the world today. Among the primary social justice themes found in the Exodus story and in the Passover observance are hunger and homelessness and oppression and redemption. “This is the bread of affliction which our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. Let all those who are hungry come and eat with us. Let all who are in want share the hope of Passover.” (Haggadah, “Ha Lachma Anya”) “Ha Lachma Anya” reminds us of a time when our diets were once restricted to matzah, considered the “bread of affliction.”

Due to our hasty retreat from Egypt, we were limited to the food carried on our backs – the unleavened bread that we were unable to thoroughly prepare. Our experience with hardship following the exodus from Egypt inspires us to consider those who eat the metaphorical “bread of affliction” in present times, and to let all those who are now hungry join us at our Passover tables. “Even the poorest person in Israel may not eat until he reclines, and they must not give him less than four cups of wine” (Babylonian Talmud, Pesachim 99b).

The Babylonian Talmud reminds us that it is imperative for us to take care of all in our community, even the poorest person, during Passover and throughout the year. Four cups of wine, quite a luxury for some, is seen as an integral part of the Passover observance. The requirement that even poor Jews be provided with ample wine, and presumably, with all the ritual foods and courses for the one night of the Seder, leads to the expectation that we should help the poor and the hungry year-round. “My Father was a wandering Aramean who went down to Egypt and dwelled there.” (Haggadah, “Maggid”)

An ancient rabbinic text instructs us, “Each person in every generation must regard himself or herself as having been personally freed from Egypt” for the seder to be successful. To me, this means the Seder is a time to acknowledge the privileges that way may have, class, race, ability, genger, sexuality, and otherwise. In some way, we have all been "freed from Egypt." We celebrate the freedoms that we do have, and turn our attention to those who are still oppressed. We consider our role in society, and commit to yielding our privilege for the liberation of all.

This year's Seder is likened only to that we attended last year: we are all sitting in our homes, straining for connection through Zoom. During COVID-19, it has been hard to grasp reality and gain perspective on our position in the world. We are scared and anxious, yet also aware that there are many people who are much worse off than us. We are grieving the loss of our daily life, but also thankful for the abundant comforts that we do have. We are grateful for a series of vaccines. We are grateful for the social and political unity that brings the end of the pandemic within our horizon. We are grateful for the bravery, self-sacrifice, creativity and patience that have helped humanity through this harrowing year. The observance of Passover presents a rich opportunity for sharing, celebration, and reflection. Thanks for being here!

haggadah Section: Introduction