Dear Friends,
We’re in the middle of a very busy season. The weeks before Pesach tend to be particularly hectic and often quite stressful for many. Between our household preparations, kitchen duties, shopping for new Pesach wardrobes for ourselves and family members, and preparing to either host or interact with extended family members, we may have quite a bit on our plate. For those who have recently suffered the loss of a loved one, there’s an added dimension. Pesach is prime family time. Seated around the table for so many seudos, sharing the Yom Tov with our nearest and dearest, the absence of a loved one is felt so strongly. You may want to be proactive. Plan ahead. Think ahead. Talk to family members before sitting down to the first seder. Would you like to reminisce a bit, share memories of your loved one? He/she is with you in spirit, even if not in body. You can acknowledge your feelings… It’s often easier to lay it out on the table, than to keep everything hidden inside. You may cry, that’s ok. Perfectly acceptable and normal. Remember, it’s the ones that we love so dearly, who played a major role in our lives that we cry about. Whilst we mourn the loss of loved ones, let’s also remember to be grateful that we had the privilege of having these individuals play such major roles in our lives.
The Pesach seder experience is unique. The Hagaddah guides us throughout the evening. There are so many beautiful Haggados with insightful commentaries that enhance the Seder experience. My current favorite is ‘The Holocaust Haggadah; Foundations of our Faith’ by Rabbi Gershon Weiss, Targum/Feldheim. Preparing ourselves beforehand, assures us of a very meaningful Sed- er. Even those of us who are responsible for preparing our homes and kitchens, should take the time to prepare ourselves spiritually also, if at all possible. This is the night when we feel particularly connected to Jews across the centuries, to Jews across the globe. We are all members of an incredible extensive community- the Jewish nation. We come from strong stock. As a nation we’ve been through such turmoil, so much pain and degradation. And yet, as we sing so emphatically in ‘V’hi she-amda’.. we are still here. Hashem grants us salvation and uplifts us once again. The strengths that our forefathers displayed, in building anew, in recouping from tragedy, these strengths have been bequeathed to us. We have incredible strengths as a people and as individuals. Whatever difficulty, whatever pain we may be experiencing at the moment, we can overcome with G-d’s help. And with time.
Have faith. Take pride and great joy in being a member of this Jewish Nation. We are truly blessed.
Wishing everyone a Chag Kosher V’Sameach. May the preparations go smoothly and may this coming holiday be literally a holy day, as well an enjoyable and meaningful experience for you, for your families, for all our brethren. Miriam Liebermann
