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The Plague of Covid
Contributed by Mark Federman

  • TOP HAGGADAHS FOR 2023

The ten plagues of ancient Egypt were brought down by Hashem because Pharoah hardened his heart and would not release the Israelites from their slavery. Many times he was warned, cajoled, admonished, and generally appealed to, but to no avail. Pharoah simply would not listen. 

Today, we are facing a worldwide plague - the pandemic of Covid-19. Those who are believers would say that this plague, like those of ancient times - was brought by Hashem, perhaps deliberately to coincide with Pesach. But even if you are not a believer, you have to admit that the timing of this plague and its devastating effects on individuals and communities throughout the world is pretty coincidental.

There is perhaps another way to consider this modern plague. Those with faith, when faced with bad events will always say, " Gam zu l'tova " - this is also for the good. This is not to minimize the suffering of those afflicted, or the mourning of countless families who have and will lose loved ones. It is not to diminish the economic loss for millions of people around the world, nor what we will yet face in the coming economic depression that will rival, or even exceed, that of the 1930s. 

But yet, potentially, gam zu l'tova. Much of what has been plaguing the modern world has either stopped or at least has settled down for a while. The air in cities everywhere is now breathable again. People are learning to value time with friends, acquaintences, neighbours, and relatives. Families are spending time with each other, no longer distracted by lessons and practices and social events and fear-of-missing-out. We are learning to prepare food, share recipes, bake bread, be heightenedly aware of what we waste because of our awareness of possible shortages. For decades, despite the warnings, cajolings, admonishments, and general appeals to become more aware of our environment, our families and friends, our relationships... we simply would not listen. 

Gam zu l'tova . When we emerge from the hoshech mitzrayim  - the profound darkness - of this modern-day plague, if we understand and take the lessons of our isolations to heart, we have the opportunity to recreate community, society, and a renewed way-of-life in a way that honours what Hashem desires us to be. As we recall the 10 plagues of ancient times, may Hashem keep us all safe and healthy, grant complete and speedy healing to those who are and will yet be battling this disease, and enable us to apply the lessons of these times for the betterment of us all.
haggadah Section: -- Ten Plagues
Source: Mark Federman

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