4/8/20 Erev Pesach: Why is this Night of Passover different from all other night so Passover, at least since 1918.

As Pesach preparations wind down, I am reminded just how different this night is from all other first night of Pesach. On all other Sedarim, children, grandchildren parents and friends sit together and ask questions, tell the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim, sing and eat too much. This year borders are closed, families who are concerned for the welfare of those at risk remain physically apart. This year, when we say the Eser Makot - the 10 plagues, we now can empathize with what a plague means. This year, we can understand the commandments relating to the last plague. They were told to mark their doorposts and remain inside their homes until the plague passed over. So we will remain sheltered in place, and hopefully, remain safe.  This year when we say: "Next Year in Jerusalem", we can now appreciate the sense of looking forward to a future Pesach that is more complete and I suppose, just "more".

So my Bracha for all who are celebrating Pesach and participating in a Seder by themselves with a spouse or their immediate family: So may all of us find meaning in our Sedarim. May we find Simcha, joy in the this Festival. May we find thankfulness during Zman Cheiruteinu, this time of our freedom. As we recount the story of our people's freedom and the beginning of their journey from bondage to freedom to a relationship to the HKBH, may we be aware of the journey we have started several weeks ago, and may we continue to remain strong, disciplined, safe and healthy. And may we all have a Chag Kasher v' Sameach.

Peace,
Rav Yitz

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