As we know, the chag (holiday) of Pesach (Passover) is upon us. But how can we connect and relate to Passover in a real, tangible, and significant way?
I think that the answer to this question is found in the Haggadah itself. As it says there, if Hashem had not freed us from slavery in Egypt long ago, we would still be slaves today.
Impossible, you say? Let’s think back to a bit over 70 years ago, when the evil Nazi regime systematically wiped out a third of the Jewish people, while the nations of the world said…nothing. More recently, in the face of constant terror attacks, Israel tried to defend itself. The international media has little sympathy for Israel, choosing to focus instead on the “civilian casualties” which Israel is forced by its enemies to inflict. So, clearly, we have little to hope for from the nations of world. But Hashem is there for us.
He, and He alone, saved us from the Egyptians. And He, and He alone continues to watch over us.
Rabbi Moshe Sofer of blessed memory (1762–1839. Rabbi Sofer was the rabbi of Pressburg, Hungary, and leader of the world-renowned Yeshiva there. He was also considered one of the leaders of Jewry of his time) says that every Jew should utilize the chag of Pesach to thank Hashem for his or her own personal blessing and miracles, whether hidden miracles, or revealed miracles like the exodus from Egypt. Some of us, unfortunately have difficulties and struggles. But we know that these too are for our good, in a hidden way. And so, we thank Hashem for them, too.
While we should thank Hashem constantly for his endless kindness to us, Passover is an especially significant opportunity for that.
Thanking Hashem helps us connect to Him, and invites yet more blessing into our lives as well.
Celebrating Passover can mean different things to different people. Some have guests. Others are guests themselves. Some, go to Oorah’s TheZone, or join other programs. Still others celebrate alone. But however we celebrate Passover, we can all take a few minutes alone, just between us and Hashem, and think about all He has done for us, past and present. We can talk to Him in our own words and simply say “thank you”. Hashem understands English, Hebrew, Russian, Spanish, and any language.
These few minutes may seem small, but they can truly transform our relationship with Him, and transform our lives in a significant way.
Make your Passover Significant – Give Thanks to God | Rabbi Pinchos Fried
