Once a year it is a mitzvah for Jews to set themselves free.  No matter what is happening in the outside world, celebrating Passover means rediscovering our inner freedom.  Every year, each of us goes through our own version of “Escape From Egypt.”  In the Haggadah we are told: “Each Jew is required to see himself as if he personally escaped from Egypt.”  In 15 steps, the seder takes us from Slavery to Freedom.

 

The Haggadah was the creation of the Rabbis.  It was their way of fulfilling the Mitzvah: “Remember this day on which you came out from Egypt, the house of slavery, how the Lord brought you out by strength of hand.” Exodus 6:6-7.  The foods, blessings and ceremonies of the seder take us through history.  The seder’s 15 steps take us from slavery to freedom, from degradation to dignity, from the rule of evil towards the rule of God.


haggadah Section: Introduction
Source: Torah Aura Productions