At the center of the Passover Seder is the telling of the story of the Exodus.  Though set in time by tradition and the Biblical narrative, the story itself is timeless.  It is a story of confinement, of restriction, of limits imposed by others, and perhaps by ourselves.  It is also a story of redemption and liberation.  Who among us has not passed through the narrow straights of Mitzrayim, which in Hebrew means both Egypt and "a narrow place?  Who among us has not, at one time or another, felt confined by relationships, careers, money, or other obstacles that have prevented us from reaching our inner potential?  The Passover story reminds us that we are not alone.  Although we may hail from different cultures, religions, and walks of life, each of us has faced confinements that are as much a part of being human as breathing.

The Exodus is also a powerful national tale.  It is the story of a people oppressed and freed through Divine engagement.  In that sense, the Exodus is always a story of hope, that whenever we find ourselves unable to achieve our own redemption, we imagine that forces beyond our limited power will guide us toward the light.  And yet we know that we cannot wait for redemption to come from God, so we must act, individually and collectively, to move the world closer to where we imagine it can be.  This gathering brings together people who do the work that creates hope for our city, nation, and world.  Telling the story which speaks of the works of God in the distant past, reminds us that we are the ones who must do God's work to secure our immediate future.

Together we embrace the Passover promise:  This year we are slaves enchained by life's restrictions, next year in Jerusalem, next year may walk as people free to embrace the future that waits for all of us.

Tonight we share our stories....


haggadah Section: Introduction
Source: Rabbi Ron Stern