Why is this Year different than so many other years?
Israel and the Jewish people are under attack!
Why is the joy of the Seder this year, tinged with pain and sadness?
We are still missing over 130 hostages and we are thinking of the many hundreds of Seder Tables who are missing loved ones this year.
Why do the messages of "in every generation they arise to destroy us" touch a different chord this year?
Since antisemitism is running rampant in so many institutions that supposedly represent tolerance and sophisticated education, among many other places.
Why does the message of Am Yisrael Chai sound different this year?
Since we are seeing an incredible resilience and strength among our people in Israel and around the world, to be more united, to be more proud, and do even more as Jewish people to stay focused on our mission of bettering the world and constantly working on being better and kinder people.
Avodim Hayeenu.... We were once slaves, but G-d took us out of slavery and endowed us with the ability to be eternally free, and live up to our Divine potential.
This year more than ever, it is important to remember this message, that no matter the noise, bigotry, and challenges, we are inherently free to continue living proudly as Jewish people. Let's stay focused on our mission of being a people who represent light, goodness and morality, and continue to be joyful as we plow forward in our quest to bring eternal freedom and blessings to the world at large.
Their are many empty Seder Chairs this year, due to the loved ones who were murdered and the hostages that are still missing, but let us do our part to fill an extra seat or two at the Seder Table, with someone who may not have a place to go and celebrate, for this important night and the message of hope, faith and gratitude that it represents.
If you would like to print up some of the bios and notes of the hostages, along with prayers for their safe return, use this link.
Before we conclude, we would like to say a big thank you to all of those who have pitched in to donate and support the many Passover Programs, and the Seder Dinner Program, and the Hundreds of Deliveries, as well as the Community Seder tonight at which we are expecting a huge crowd. Along with everyone who helped with packing the Passover Packages, Delivering the Dinners and the Passover Joy Packages, you have helped make a tremendous difference to many hundreds of people this Passover who you have helped uplift.
If you would still like to donate to help strengthen the Jewish community and the efforts of the Chabad Center of Sudbury locally and what we do to help people in Israel this Passover, you may do so over here.
With best wishes for a joyous, healthy, meaningful and uplifting Passover for you and your loved ones and for the blessings of peace, redemption and tranquility to be restored to Israel and everywhere else where it is needed.
Chag Sameach & Happy Passover!
Am Yisrael Chai!
- Rabbi Yisroel & Shayna Freeman