Pesach in every generation

Every year on Pesach at the Seder, we read “In every generation they stand against us to destroy us.”

I may be cynical about politicians and political processes all over the world. But spiritually, mystically, Jewishly, I am optimistic. Indeed, the core themes of the Seder at Pesach and Jewish history are ones of an astonishing optimism beyond the normal human imagination. We have survived and thrived, even though often at an awful cost, time after time after time.

And this year is no different. Which other nation or ethnic group was conceived in abject slavery and poverty and had to endure almost constant prejudice, alienation, hatred, warfare and genuine (not fake) genocide?

I am not saying that others have not during human history been subjugated or enslaved. But in our case, this process has gone on for nearly 3,000 years, and yet, amazingly, a remnant has always come back (in one form or another). We are constantly being exiled and then comforted. It is on Pesach that we are reminded each year of our fate and of our resurrection.

There are two seemingly conflicting concepts. The negative is subjugation, whether through our mistakes, which we keep on making, or because of what we might call Divine Intervention to force us back on track. But more constant and arguably effective is that of family or the public face of religion. Our religion places as much, if not more, significance on families and homes. Judaism is I would like to say, is primarily a home-based religion. The 10 Commandments, the core of our tradition, emphasise parents and family. Which is why thinking of those without families and the needy is such an important feature of the festival.

The Torah repeats several times, “If your Children should ever ask you. Why are we doing this (special festival)?” The Haggadah gives prominence to the idea of four children, four different types, and approaches, all participating and challenging whether positively or not. Pesach is the most family-oriented of our religious occasions, with games for children, unusual customs and foods that invite questions. What a contrast to the routines of synagogues, formal prayer and study, important as they may be.

But there’s another aspect of the festival. We gather together often in large numbers, most of the time we’re being sociable and entertaining, but not really thinking that we’re supposed to be present at a religious occasion. Many of us do not stay at home anymore, preparing our house, cleaning from top to bottom and sitting down together as a family to study, discuss and explain. Instead of making this a family event, many of us go off to large hotels or cruises, going perfunctorily through the rituals but losing the concept of family to become part of an event. I don’t want to be a killjoy and say one shouldn’t enjoy oneself, and if one has the means to spend vast amounts of money, why not? Except that it does strike me as problematic that vast sums of money that could help alleviate poverty are being thrown at passing short-term pleasures. You could argue that we are not an ascetic religion, and indeed, we are commanded to be happy and to celebrate. But we should be doing this within the framework of family and friends.

Indeed, the first Pesach in Egypt was all about families gathering in families. Daubing signs on homes for protection. Sharing the paschal Lamb with friends and the poor. Everyone was dressed in travelling clothes, and everything was done in a hurry.

After forty years of wandering the Israelites celebrated Pesach after they crossed the River Jordan under Joshua. But then things seemed to have lapsed and been neglected. Years later, King Josiah “Celebrate Pesach to the Lord your God as it is written in this Book of the Covenant. For Pesach had not been celebrated since the days of the Judges who judged Israel and the Kings of Israel and Judah” (Ibid 21&22). And in Second Chronicles (35.18) it says that they had not celebrated Pesach not since Samuel the prophet and the kings of Israel.”

Years later, after the return from the Babylonian exile, the Book of Ezra mentions that the people and the priests celebrated the Festival of Matzot and ate together for seven days. But nothing about specific customs (Ezra 6:19). And In 418 BCE King Darius 2nd of Persia sent instructions to a Jewish garrison on the Nile at Elephantine to keep Pesach according to the Jewish tradition.

Over these thousands of years, Pesach has been celebrated in so many different ways and communities all around the world. New technologies can involve many more people online and make the Seder accessible. And there are outposts almost everywhere where you can find somewhere to celebrate Pesach in congenial company.

And yet the other dominant theme is freedom. Ideally, in comfort at home, rather than like many are this year, sitting in shelters while chaos reigns outside. We must realize what gifts are life, freedom and safety are. May we all have a happy and meaningful Pesach and give a thought and prayer for the soldiers defending us.

Rabbi Jeremy Rosen lives in New York. He was born in Manchester. His writings are concerned with religion, culture, history and current affairs – anything he finds interesting or relevant. They are designed to entertain and to stimulate. Disagreement is always welcome.