The First Seder

The Jewish people in Egypt celebrated the first Passover Seder. They ate Matza and bitter herbs, and celebrated their freedom that was to take place the next day.

The Seder was established as one of the most significant days in the Jewish calendar. It was meant to be an evening of affirmation of our unique history, and the miracle of survival.

The focus of the evening was the children and encouraging them to ask questions. The Torah itself hinted to the fact that there are different kinds of children that have different needs and backgrounds.

It was the task of the leader of the Seder to find a way to get the less interested child involved in the events of the evening. The Haggadah describes these children in terms of the “four sons.”

All of this points to the importance of presenting Judaism not only to our children, but to all Jews, in the most appealing fashion. We need to find a way to inspire the uninspired.

Students who have complained about what did not appeal to them about Judaism, often shared one important point of what was missing. They claimed that they had not met even one saintly or pious Jew that they could emulate.

This would have put many of their concerns to rest. If they could connect with even one beautiful Jew that exuded warmth and kindness, it would make all of the difference in the world.

This shows how parents and teachers should be so careful to become role models for others to see. It isn’t the preaching that is going to effect change. It is showing by our actions how Judaism helps us to be more spiritual and find happiness and meaning.

The Seder is the learning tool to help teach about our great heroes of the past. It comes with the hope that we will emulate their path, just as we emulate the great heroes of today.