Why We Celebrate:

Over the centuries we are left with a theme that continues to inspire: the thirst for freedom. The reality is that despots have sought the exile and annihilation of the Jewish people. At Pesach it was Pharaoh, Hanukkah it was Antiochus, Purim it was Haman, and Yom Hashoah it was Hitler.

But we also give thanks for those in every generation who came forward to lead our people out of the darkness. We recognize heroic acts and rescuers from every generation. We hope that the memory of their strength will fortify us if confronted with similar evil.

We remember Moses, the Maccabees and Ester. Their strength, vision and determination all saved the Jews from destruction of the past. We remember the Righteous Gentiles of modern day times who risked their lives and lives of their families to save Jews from death more than 75 years ago. We give thanks that organiztions such as Jewish Foundation for the Righteous exist to aid them in their twilight years.

How many peoples of the earth have suffered under the taskmaster’s lash? How many continue to live in misery?

There is little regard for our shared humanity.

Sadly, we do not find that adversity leads inevitably to an elevated ethic of compassion. Sometimes pain creates so much bitterness that those who were once oppressed now become the oppressors. We must make every effort to overcome this tendency.

How can we honor these heroes and rescuers? We can do so by assisting those among us who need our help, fulfilling the traditional Jewish commandment to be responsible for the safety and well being of our neighbors. Tikkun Olam, repair of the world.

Let us strive to translate its core idea into reality. Let our celebration of freedom encourage us to ease the lot of those who have yet to taste true freedom, the children who go hungry each day, the women who are enslaved to human traffickers, the men who labor ceaselessly for inhumane wages, the individuals because of the color of their skin, or the Righteous Gentiles who lack food, homecare and housing...

One singlular person working with another singular person adds to many people working together, and this can and does make a difference.


haggadah Section: Maggid - Beginning