The Beginning

Haggadah Section: Maggid - Beginning

The Haggadah doesn’t tell the story of Passover in a linear fashion. We don’t hear of Moses being found by the daughter of Pharaoh – actually, we don’t hear much of Moses at all. Instead, we get an impressionistic collection of songs, images, and stories of both the Exodus from Egypt and from Passover celebrations through the centuries. Some say that minimizing the role of Moses keeps us focused on the miracles performed for us. Others insist that we keep the focus on the role that every member of the community has in bringing about positive and necessary change.

This belief has been expressed many times by many people; these are just a few examples.

To be free is not merely to cast of one's chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others - Nelson Mandela

We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children – Anonymous

Until we are all free, we are none of us free. - Emma Lazarus

In 1941, shortly after the start of World War 2, President, Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his annual State of the Union Address to the 77th Congress. This speech was known as "The Four Freedoms" speech because in it he expressed four freedoms that people should have worldwide. President Roosevelt said that America was fighting to spread freedom around the world. The first freedom was "freedom of speech and expression," meaning the right to say and stand up for what you believe in. The second freedom was "freedom of everyone to be able to worship god in their own way." Third was "freedom from want," which means being able to have basic necessities such as clothing, food, and shelter. Lastly was "freedom from fear." Roosevelt had in mind a world in which neighbors get along with each other and people were not constantly in fear for their well-being. These freedoms express an ideal society where everyone possesses the basic rights that all people deserve.

Hospitality to strangers and to those in need is considered a mitzvah.  This is especially true at Pesach time.  On this night we are inspired to invite those unfamiliar with the story of Passover to join us at our Seder.  

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Passover Guide

Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
know more about the holiday? Explore our Passover 101 Guide for answers
to all of your questions.

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