Temple Beth El
Executive Director’s Message
As I thought about writing the April article for the Temple Times it felt like Spring outside – so Passover becomes a very close reality since we consider Passover the springtime festival. The Exodus from Egypt marked the birth of the Jewish people which is proclaimed not only at Passover, the “SEASON OF OUR FREEDOM” but in the daily prayers and the Kiddish. The Torah says “Remember you were slaves in Egypt”, and we have always remembered. This is what is recounted in the Haggadah, which means recital, which is read by one and all at the Seders all over the world.
A few more interesting Pesach facts – the holiday is considered agricultural as well as historical in origin – Spring was the time of the barley harvest in Palestine. The Seder belongs to the home rather than the Temple – although for many years we have gathered for a first Seder at Temple! The Seder is often considered the most impressive family meal of the year, the table is beautifully set. Seder means “order”, we follow the basic order of the meals as it has been served for many years.
As we rid our homes of chometz, do our cooking, set a beautiful table, prepare the Seder plate and look forward to our family and friends sharing a special evening together, let‟s think of all the wonderful Seders of the past and feel blessed to be together for another Seder and another memory. Whether it is with family and friends at home or together with Temple Beth El and Temple Emanu El.
A very happy and joyous Passover to you all from Stan and me.
Mundy