Nirtzah is the end of the seder. This is usually about the point when we'd be saying: "Next Year in Jerusalem"…only, with travel heavily restricted and social distancing in full effect, the idea of traveling anywhere far from home seems unimaginable. We don't know how long this pandemic will last, or if it will recur at some point in the future. Next year in Jerusalem?! How about next year without having to wear a facemask to shop for your brisket?!

"Next year in Jerusalem" feels as impossible as "next year on Mars" or "next year from Barbie's Malibu Dream House" or "next year from Jerry Seinfeld's car."

But we should end Passover on a positive note. The story of Pesach is one of liberation, from both physical and spiritual bondage. May we all find the liberation we need to persevere in this trying time. May we soon be blessed with the physical presence of our loved ones. And may we always keep our good Jewish sense of humor.


haggadah Section: Nirtzah