Make your Passover Meaningful, להפוך את הפסח שלכם יהיו בעלי משמעות

Seder Plate by Yoninah (Wikimedia.org)

Here are some tips about how you can make your Passover meaningful, thanks to Partners in Torah.

MAKE IT MEANINGFUL

If Passover this year is just like all the others in past years, it will not have the same meaning. Here are six suggestions for how you can make this Passover even more meaningful than all the others:

• Money well spent: Don’t settle for the free Haggadah that comes with the coffee. Purchase one that features inspiring insights and explanations with which you can spice up the discussion at the Seder. There are hundreds to choose from.
• Prepare in advance: Take some time prior to the Seder to read up on the events and their meaning so that you can share inspiring and meaningful content with the participants.
• All kidding aside: As important as it is to get the kids involved, the adults must be engaged as well. Ask each participant ahead of time to prepare something short to share with the others so the conversation revolves around Passover, not politics.
• Read the book: This year, skip the movie and read the book instead. “Let My Nation Go” by Yosef Deutch details the events of the Exodus in a gripping and suspense — filled narrative that remains loyal to traditional sources.
• Take your time: Passover comes only once a year. Make it count by prolonging the Seder instead of ending it in time to get home before dark.
• Think of others: A Seder can be a powerful spiritual experience. Yet, it is best when celebrated with others. Think of the less fortunate among us who may need an invitation and invite them to grace your Seder with their presence.

POINTS TO PONDER

• Is it really so hard to refrain from Chametz for the full holiday of Passover?
• What is the definition of “freedom,” and how can we apply it to make our lives more meaningful?
• Why are we considered to still be in exile when we enjoy religious freedom to such a great extent? Why do so many Jews celebrate a Seder, even the unaffiliated?
• Why was it necessary for an outsider like Moses to lead us to freedom?
• Why couldn’t we accomplish it on our own?
• Are we proud to be the Almighty’s Chosen People? Do we live up to that designation as we should?
• Why can’t someone other than Aunt Bertha make the Matzoh-Ball soup for a change?
• If there’s one lesson to take from the Passover experience, what would it be?