On October 27,2018, the Tree of Life synagogue was attacked
Eleven people were killed simply because they were Jewish. Many others were injured.
The Tree of Life synagogue happens to be less than a mile away from my childhood home in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
While I did not personally know any of the people who were killed, I knew many people who were directly connected to those who were impacted.
The daughter-in-law of one of the victims emerged from the ashes of this tragedy with the agenda to make a difference.
In memory and honor of her mother-in-law Joyce Feinberg, she created a program called 2 to the Seder, with the goal that Jewish people who were having the traditional Passover dinner invite at least 2 people to join them who were NOT Jewish.
In her words, her goal was to push back on antisemitism with love.
If people from different backgrounds can allow themselves to open up just a bit to connect with one another, might this help?
There is too much hate and prejudice in the world. We need to teach our children to do better.
This idea completely resonated with me.
The April following the shooting we opened the doors to our Seder. We were honored to have Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Amish, quite a few atheists. and of course some Jews.
The conversations that we had that evening were fascinating.
Passover is the holiday that celebrates the story of the Jewish people escaping from slavery in Egypt.
The ritual dinner is called a Seder.
For me the Seder is all about tradition. I feel the connection with generations past through the meal, story and the songs that have transcended thousands of years.
I keep in mind that many Jews over the centuries risked their lives to have a seder when they were living in places where simply being identified as a Jew could be a death sentence.
It is also tradition for my husband to point out that the entire story is most likely completely fabricated, at which point I counter that the accuracy of the story isn’t what it is all about.
It is about gathering with family, celebrating Spring and freedom, and having discussions about how we can end oppression for everyone.
And of course, the Matzo Balls.
He then acquiesces with the two little words that keep the marriage humming along - “yes dear.”
This holiday has certain smells that embrace me as I am preparing for it: Matzo Ball soup, horseradish, Manischewitz wine, apples and walnuts chopped up to make something called charoset that is meant to represent the mortar that the slaves used.
I can feel the presence of my mother and grandmother as I putter in the kitchen.
One of the parts of the seder is a song that is supposed to be sung by the youngest participant, Ma Nishtana ha Lila ha zeh?
Why is this night different from all other nights?
While frankly eating matzo and drinking the traditional cloyingly sweet wine is fine for once a year, talking about freedom and oppression should NOT be a topic for just one night.
There should not be an ‘Oppression Olympics.’
Antisemitism and bigotry are not just reserved for Jewish people. I understand that I have the privilege of being able to ‘blend in’ if I chose to, while most people of color cannot. This week, the country experienced yet another unfortunate display of racism and hatred, this time falling on the Asian community.
Until everyone can be outside without fear of being belittled or harmed because of who they are, we have work to do.
There are so many differences, races, faiths, genders, ages, sexual orientations, abilities, personalities.
Underneath, we are human beings, mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents, family members, friends, community members. We need to celebrate the differences instead of attacking them.
This year with COVID we are having a small family Seder. Next year, I hope once again to open my doors, have vibrant discussions and link with people from every walk of life.
Happy Passover to all who celebrate.
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