Wishes for the Future

At this point in our seder we have said special words and have eaten different foods. We know that once we were slaves, but now we are free. It is traditional to end our seder with the phrase, "Next Year in Jerusalem!"

Clearly this is not a literal wish to celebrate our seder next year in Jerusalem. It is more a reference to our wish for a brighter future for all. For the freedom the Jews were given as God delivered them out of Egypt and led them toward the promised land.

For each of us, this wish may represent something different in our lives and for others around us. So as we all speak the traditional ending, I ask that you reflect--just for yourself--what this phrase means to you.

L'shana haba-a bi-Yrushalayim!


haggadah Section: Nirtzah
Source: Picture credit: JewBelong