Love

Charoset - everyone's favorite. 

When the table is full of matza, maror, a boiled egg, and lettuce, how could anyone not love the mixture of nuts, dates, cinnamon, apples, and wine? But it's not so easy to find the connection between charoset and Pesach. 

The Talmud mentions that charoset 's thick consistency reminds us of the mortar used to make bricks in Egypt. 

The ingredients of charoset are all mentioned in Shir haShirim (Song of Songs), the beautiful poem that many read at the end of the Seder. Shir haShirim can be interpreted as a vivid and sensual love song between two individuals, and/or as a moving ballad between the Jewish People and God. Eating charoset is, in a sense, ingesting this love song, making it a Biblical love potion. 

The face of someone who has fallen in love shines with hope. 

Often, with the passing of years, the early spark felt when first falling in love can fade. But when we look at old pictures and read the letters written in early romance, we can sometimes rekindle the flames of our passion. 

The Seder, with its 4 cups of wine, reclining posture, charoset , and lengthy discussion of the Jewish People's "first date" with God, evokes and rekindles this love. 

And as with all love stories, hope is renewed.

Activity for Seder: 

When was the last time you felt God's love for you? 

For the Jewish People?