Is Michael Scott a Hero?

Haggadah Section: Introduction

"Am I a hero?"

Michael Scott is the regional manager of Dunder-Mifflin paper company. He's bumbling, awkward, self-centered and overly concerned with how other people view him. Even though some of his intentions are good, his implementation is usually disproportionally bad. He wants to fund the future, but makes promises to "Scott's Tots" that he can't keep. He hits a co-worker with his car, outs another, makes inappropriate comments in the office on the regular. He is not the kind of person who will put others first. He does not seem like "hero material."

But here's the thing about Michael Scott. As many times as he puts his foot in his mouth or in a George Foreman grill, he keeps trying. He comes from a background that didn't properly teach him about love and interacting with others. And over the course of his years at Dunder-Mifflin, he changes. The work family that he always wanted to love him eventually does (even if he still makes them uncomfortable). His intentions overtake (or at least catch up to and balance out) his awkwardness. He is able to put other people and their needs first; he makes room for others to succeed him and excel in their work. He opens himself up to love and to vulnerability.

So is Michael Scott a hero? I really can't say. But yes.

And what does this have to do with the seder, the Haggadah or Passover? Great question.

While the temptation is to say that a hero is someone who is in a DC or Marvel movie, or whose entire profession situates them in an environment where they engage in daily acts of heroism, those are only the most visible examples of heroism. Even Michael Scott, as flawed as he is, has his moments. And for many of us, who are not working in field hospitals or defeating Thanos, this kind of heroism is one we can aspire to and attain. If Michael Scott can find heroic moments within himself, so can we. 

[Image source: GIPHY]

Source:  
Esther Kustanowitz
Clip Featured in Esther Kustanowitz'sHeroes Haggadah
Edit Clip
Heroes Haggadah
EK
Esther Kustanowitz
Table of contents
    Introduction
  • We Could Be Heroes: A Heroes Haggadah Introduction
  • Is Michael Scott a Hero?
    • Urchatz
  • Tyrion Lannister Raises A Glass
  • How Does A Hero Wash His Hands?
    • Karpas
  • What Do You Use For Karpas?
    • Yachatz
  • You Don't Need To Be A Super-Soldier...
    • Maggid - Beginning
  • That Feeling When You Get To Maggid
    • -- Four Questions
  • Four Questions in Fictional Languages
  • The Four Representation Questions
    • -- Four Children
  • Four Is Fantastic
  • Star Wars Four Children
  • The Four Children of Star Wars
  • The Four Children Interacting
  • The Four Children Interacting
    • -- Exodus Story
  • Leaving Egypt
    • -- Ten Plagues
  • Plaguing Egypt
    • -- Cup #2 & Dayenu
  • Infinity Stone Dayenu
  • Dayenu As "What If?"
    • Rachtzah
  • Heroes Make Sure We Wash Our Hands
  • Aquaman Walking Into A Second Handwashing Like...
    • Motzi-Matzah
  • Pip Wants Second Breakfast, We'll Give Him Motzi Matzah
    • Maror
  • Bitter, Or Stimulating?: A Highly Logical Perspective on Maror
    • Koreich
  • Will someone please get Tony Stark a sandwich?
    • Shulchan Oreich
  • The Avengers Eat Shawarma
    • Tzafun
  • Revealing What Was Hidden, Finding What Was Lost
    • Bareich
  • Thor Wants Another Cup
    • Hallel
  • Here's To You, Harry (or whatever your name is, person who is reading this Haggadah)
    • Nirtzah
  • Nirtzah, Have We Reached
  • The Journey Continues
    • Conclusion
  • Black Widow Has The Last Word
    • Songs
  • The Plot of Wonder Woman Meets Chad Gadya
  • 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 Haggadahs44 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.