We've told the story, we've filled our belly, we've had (at least) four cups of wine. According to Jewish law and tradition, our seder is done. Traditionally we finish now with a phrase of hope for the future - next year in Jerusalem. For many generations, this was a wish to return home, among our people, no longer treated as strangers. Today, Jewish people are free to go to Jerusalem, but it does not feel like home to everyone.

Jerusalem is not just a place, though, it's an idea as well.  These words come from a time and a tradition in which being in Jerusalem meant the coming of a different and better time: a time of peace. We are not in that time - not yet - but we hope for it still. Let's hope that next year we can celebrate in a world where Jerusalem and all cities are more at peace, and that the arc of history has bent a little further towards justice.

לְשָׁנָה הַבָּאָה בִּירוּשָׁלָֽיִם

L’shana haba-ah biy’rushalayim

NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM!


haggadah Section: Nirtzah