Nirtzah is the fifteenth and final step of the Passover Seder. At this stage, the formal Seder rituals are complete, and participants express their hope that their Seder has been accepted and meaningful. The Nirtzah step traditionally ends with the declaration "L'shanah haba'ah b'Yerushalayim" or "Next year in Jerusalem," which signifies the desire for the continued celebration of Passover and the hope for the eventual gathering of the Jewish people in Jerusalem.

The phrase "Next year in Jerusalem" carries both symbolic and literal meanings within the context of the Passover Seder. Symbolically, it represents the yearning for redemption, the aspiration for spiritual fulfillment, and the connection to the Jewish homeland. The phrase serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining cultural and religious ties and preserving the memories and lessons of the past, even when living in the diaspora.

However, the phrase has political complications, as Jerusalem has a long history of being a contested city, with both Israelis and Palestinians claiming it as their capital. The status of Jerusalem has been a central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and different parties have varying opinions on how the city should be governed and administered. As a result, the phrase "Next year in Jerusalem" might be perceived as having political implications or expressing a particular stance on the conflict.

Despite the potential for political controversy, many Jews view the phrase as a deeply rooted expression of hope and longing, focusing on its spiritual and cultural significance rather than its political dimensions.


haggadah Section: Nirtzah