Ending the Seder and Thinking About the Future

As we come to the end of the seder, we drink one more glass of wine. With this final cup, we give thanks for the experience of celebrating Passover together, for the traditions that help inform our daily lives and guide our actions and aspirations.

Drink the 4th cup of wine!

Traditionally, we conclude a seder with the aspiration to return to the city of Jerusalem next year. However, tonight we must consider the dire situation in Palestine. The year 5780 began with ever-bolder land grabs by Israel and plans to outright annex the West Bank. Now, COVID-19 sweeps through Gaza practically unchecked. Making aliyah now and celebrated Passover in Jerusalem would only contribute to the ongoing land seizure, and perhaps help spread the virus as well.  As Jews, we are obligated to help deliver Palestine from servitude and plague just as our ancestors were once delivered from the land of Egypt. 

Let us not wish to live in peace in Jerusalem next year. Let us instead wish for peace everywhere, and for everyone. We pray this coming year brings health and healing, joy and liberation, gratitude and wonder to all the people of the world.


haggadah Section: Nirtzah