First and Foremost: Housing

Haggadah Section: Maggid - Beginning
Hunger

“My father was a wandering Aramean” this reading of the verse, the opening verse that makes up the largest part of Haggadah - The Telling of the Exodus - is from the 15th century Italian Rabbi Ovadia ben Jacob Sforno. Sforno says that this verse refers to the Yakkov Avinu (the Patriarch Jacob), who lived in Aram white escaping from his brother Esau. While there, Sforno says, Yakkov was effectively homeless, and did not have the stability to raise his family, to become a nation.

As we are beginning the story of our people, as we are sitting at this holiday table, the Haggadah reminds us: first and foremost, before there was oppression, before we could even think about redemption, we needed housing. Only then we could think of building a home, building a peoplehood. 

“What does it mean for us that our story couldn’t begin until after our ancestors had found stable housing?”

As we get ready to ask the four questions, the moment that launches the story telling of the evening, we exclaim in Aramaic “ Ha Lachma Anya… Kol dichfin yeitei v’yeichol, kol ditzrich yeitei v’yifsach. ” This is the bread affliction… let everyone who wants come and eat, let everyone who needs come and eat this Pesach with us.” First and foremost we need to remember those most in need, we need to open our doors and hearts. Let us commit to do all we can to ensure everyone has a house, to ensure everyone can build a home!

Continue on Page 9

Inspired to create
your own Haggadah?

Make your own Haggadah and share with other Seder lovers around the world

Have an idea
for a clip?

People like you bring their creativity to Haggadot.com when they share their ideas in a clip

Support Us
with your donation

Help us build moments of meaning and connection through
home-based Jewish rituals.

OUR TOP CONTRIBUTORS

contributor image
Esther Kustanowitz
4 Haggadahs41 Clips
contributor image
JQ International
1 Haggadah40 Clips
contributor image
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
5 Haggadahs109 Clips
contributor image
18Doors
1 Haggadah13 Clips
contributor image
JewishBoston
1 Haggadah78 Clips
contributor image
Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
1 Haggadah36 Clips
contributor image
American Jewish World Service
1 Haggadah44 Clips
contributor image
JewBelong
3 Haggadahs57 Clips
contributor image
Repair the World
12 Clips
contributor image
HIAS
5 Haggadahs48 Clips
contributor image
Be'chol Lashon
2 Haggadahs27 Clips
contributor image
PJ Library
1 Haggadah17 Clips
contributor image
Jewish World Watch
3 Haggadahs42 Clips
contributor image
Secular Synagogue
10 Clips
contributor image
SVIVAH
1 Haggadah9 Clips
contributor image
The Blue Dove Foundation
20 Clips
contributor image
ReformJudaism.org
24 Clips
contributor image
Jewish Emergent Network
1 Haggadah22 Clips

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.

Haggadot

Haggadot.com by Recustom, is a free resource for all backgrounds and experiences. Consider making a donation to help support the continuation of this free platform.

Copyright © 2024 Custom and Craft Jewish Rituals Inc, dba Recustom, dba Haggadot.com.
All Rights Reserved. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN: 82-4765805.