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Introduction
Contributed by Paul Hacker

  • TOP HAGGADAHS FOR 2023

The Jewish calendar has two New Years’ – Rosh Hashanah, the religious New Year, and Passover, the secular or national New Year. It is generally acknowledged that Jews attend synagogue in greatest numbers at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but that Passover is, in fact, the most commonly celebrated Jewish holiday. The parallels and contrasts between these two periods illustrate why we have strong places in our tradition for these two holidays, and bring into focus a theme for this year’s seder.

It is no accident that these two holidays occurs at opposite ends of the solar calendar year. Rosh Hashanah occurs in the fall. The summer is behind us and we approach the coming winter with some regret. Growing season is almost over, and in olden times, we would be getting ready to gather the crops that would sustain us through the leaner months ahead. During the Days of Awe between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it is a natural time to look back, see what we have accomplished, what we could have done better, and what we will do differently next year. Our focus is on our individual accomplishments and shortcomings, our own personal actions, and the redemption of each of us, as our names are written and sealed in the Book of Life.

Passover, on the other hand, occurs as we make our way out of winter and prepare for spring to renew the world and its abundance. We are ready to look outside again with anticipation and optimism. We are also ready to look outside ourselves and see the opportunities around us. In this time of rebirth, we celebrate the birth of the Jewish Nation. We read the story of the “Jewish Spring,” when G-d redeemed the Hebrew slaves and sent them on the path to nationhood. Our focus is on our collective transformation from peoplehood to nationhood, a transformation as inspiring and affirming as the piercing sound of the shofar at the close of Yom Kippur.

While we celebrate the High Holy Days reverently, in synagogue, Passover is celebrated joyously, at home. The High Holy Day season is solemn, as we count off the sins that we have committed, knowingly or unknowingly and thank G-d for the miracle of our existence. Why has Passover become only about two big meals? Why should we not take these eight days to consider our nation, its strengths and weaknesses and thank G-d for its existence?

Tonight we rejoice in the birth of a nation. Passover is our collective “Days of Awe.” All around us are symbols of our nation, and for eight days we can consider our place in that nation. This Seder, we celebrate and focus on our nationhood: Ma am hazeh shoneh micol ha-amim? Why is this nation different from other nations?

haggadah Section: Introduction
Source: Original

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