Introduction

Based on a contribution by Pardes

Pesach is a time of inclusion.

In addition to opening the door to our guests, on seder night, there are two moments where we metaphorically open our doors and invite others in. One is at the opening of the Magid ( mageed ) portion of the seder, when we say, “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” We were once slaves; poor and hungry, and we remember our redemption by sharing what we have with others.

The second, comes towards the end of the seder, when we have the custom of pouring a symbolic fifth cup, which we claim is for Elijah the Prophet. This is a statement of faith, a statement that says that although we are a free people, our redemption is not yet complete, and we believe that it will come. And, in the time to come, Jews are looking forward to Elijah's answering all of our unanswered questions.

Everyone is welcome, and everyone is necessary. Mishnah (Pesahim 10:5) teaches us that:

בכל דור ודור חייב אדם לראות את עצמו כאילו הוא יצא ממצרים
In every generation a person is obligated to see themselves as if they left Egypt

The seder presents us with the obligation of identifying with the generation that left Egypt and internalizing that experience. When we see ourselves and our freedom more clearly, we recognize the privilege of sharing a meal with friends of other faiths with other stories.


haggadah Section: Introduction
Source: Pardes