Pre-Pesach
Freedom in the Darkest Times
Dear Friend,
A recent coffee break found me rereading some of my favorite Passover stories. I read of Passovers celebrated during the Holocaust, in the Siberian Gulag, and in dim cellars during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. The faith and courage that these stories convey never fail to inspire me.
Is it incongruous, one might wonder, to celebrate freedom while living under oppression? To commemorate salvation during times of desperation and deprivation?
The heroes of these tales knew, though, that Passover is more than just a memorial to past glories. The strong hand and the outstretched arm that redeemed our fathers from Egypt have continued to defend our people throughout the ages. “For not just one alone has risen against us to destroy us, but in every generation they rise against us to destroy us; and the Holy One, blessed be He, saves us from their hand.”
On an individual level, too, we each experience a personal bondage to “Pharaoh”—those internal and external things that prevent us from reaching our full potential. Passover empowers us to overcome our limitations and serve G‑d in true freedom.
This year, don’t just retell the Passover story—relive it.
Wishing you and yours a joyous Passover!
Rochel Chein,
responder for Ask the Rabbi @ Chabad.org
Maror refers to the bitter herbs, often romaine lettuce or horseradish, eaten during the course of the Passover meal (Seder), once on its own and once together with matzah.
The seder is a 15-step meal, held on the first two nights of Passover, when we eat matzah and bitter herbs, drink four cups of wine, and tell the story of the Exodus.
I’m having lots of guests from very different backgrounds over for the Seder, and I don’t want people to have to stay out too late.
Our Passover megasite has tools, guides, insights, stories, inspiration—and just about everything you need to celebrate Passover. (But bring your own wine.)
Learn the significance of this day and how the Rebbe would customarily celebrate through encouraging other to do good.
A new site replete with Torah teachings, stories, music, historical essays and more surrounding this great scholar and leader of the Jewish people.
This class explores the cryptic section of the Haggadah that places great emphasis on G-d “Himself” taking us out of Egypt.
Preparing the Seder plate items can seem overwhelming, but it needn’t be. Here are the steps you need to take to get it all done.
With layoffs and other financial hardships hitting families in even the most affluent communities, special funds are raised every year for the express purpose of helping those in need with their Passover expenses.
First bus bombing in wave of attacks that began last October.
A shmurah matzah route that stretches all the way to the White House.
Rabbis urge an increase in public seders, the sale of ‘chametz’ and all holiday activities.
Why is Torah compared to light? Because it tells us the place of each thing.
Because, in truth, there is no need to change the world. Everything is here.
Each thing has a place, and in that place it is good. Altogether, it is very good, a beautiful world. All that’s needed is a little light.
What is light? Light...
