Jews all over the world are observing Passover this week. On the first night (and for some on the second and final nights as well) we gather around for the Seder, a ritual meal during which we retell the story from the Book of Exodus when the Jews, led by Moses, fled slavery and captivity in Egypt. This year Passover is especially meaningful because as we celebrate our freedom at home, we are mindful that there remain 59 hostages who were taken from Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023 and who are being held captive in the Gaza strip. We pray for their release. For more about the importance of this ritual, I encourage you to listen to this interview with Rachel Polin-Goldberg, whose son Hersch was murdered by Hamas while in captivity.
At the close of the Seder meal, we sing several traditional songs, including Echad Mi Yodea (Who Knows One), which was the inspiration for the dance (above) by Israeli-born choreographer Ohad Naharin. The song enumerates the Jews' faith, beliefs and traditions, founded in the affirmation of One God and summing up in the recognition of God's thirteen attributes. You can find an English translation here.
-- sdl
CHAG SAMEACH, David, Stacey, and Joe. Hope you had a lovely seder.
Posted by: Cindy Hochman | April 19, 2025 at 08:05 AM
A very important and righteous post!
Posted by: Rivkah Rubinstein | April 23, 2025 at 03:41 PM