Plagues - A Laughing Matter?
We are about to recite the Ten Plagues and pour out drops of wine for each, symbolizing the loss of sweetness that the plagues caused. We know that the plagues were horrific and that the Egyptians suffered immensely, and yet, often we feel inclined to make light of the plagues. We sing upbeat songs, use finger puppets, and throw plastic frogs in the air all while remembering the devastation. Why do we do this? Is it merely to keep antsy children entertained for the final few minutes before the meal is served? Is it merely to keep OURSELVES entertained for the final few minutes before the meal is served? Some people argue that the plagues are not meant to be taken lightly, that they are serious, frightening, and nothing that we would ever wish upon anyone again, while others argue that we need a bit of levity in order to break the tension and create an environment in which we are able to discuss the plagues without being paralysed by fear.
Tonight, we will do both. We will begin with a silly song to lighten the mood a bit, and then we will settle in to delve deep into the meaning and lessons of the Ten Plagues.
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