Nirtzah  marks the conclusion of the seder. Our bellies are full, we have had several glasses of wine, we have told stories and sung songs, and now it is time for the evening to come to a close. It is traditional at this time to say:

לְשָׁנָה הַבָּאָה בִּירוּשָׁלָֽיִם

L’shana haba-ah biy’rushalayim

NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM!

It's an aspirational wish to be sure. One which we make each year and which most of us don't accomplish. Well, this year, I'd like to make a different wish- one which I know we can make come true:

L'shana haba-ah beyachad
NEXT YEAR TOGETHER

Wherever we are, however we can do it, next year may we all be together.

And if we can hug each other? Well that would truly be a wish come true.

Chag Sameach! Happy holiday!


haggadah Section: Nirtzah