Why, oh why, do we gather round the table to review the same old story for 3326 years and counting? Couldn't we find a more relevant or recent encounter than of slaves in Egypt to whom we truly cannot relate?
Our Kabalists reveal to us a fascinating insight: 'Egypt' is alive and well in America today.
Egypt is not merely a geographic destination, it is a physchological state of mind. In Hebrew it's Mitzrayim, which means repression.
We all have restraining elements in our lives or factors in our personalities that prevent us from properly expressing ourselves: For some its the inability to get along with a sibling, for another its an addiction to drugs, alcohol, bad company or his cell phone. Some can't say a compliment to a friend or neighbor, another can't curb her appetite.
Indeed, we all are slaves in Egypt, in our personal Egypt. It can be very lonely in there. But as we gather round the Seder tables, we are surrounded by warmth, love and acceptance as we prepare to take this deeply spiritual journey of self discovery and liberty.
With this introduction, we have the courage to open the Hagada and explore the epic journey to freedom. Be assured that the exit visa to your bondage is buried in the Hagaddah, just read it carefully and you'll find it!
So here's the Seder Challenge this year :
- Instead of reading the hagada in the plural, read it in the individual, about yourself.
- Instead of reading it in the past tense, read it in the present tense.
Read 'we were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt', but interpret it is 'I am a slave to my inhibitions, addictions, compulsions and bad habits
Break out of your comfort zones! Reinvent yourself this Pesach as you Pass Over all that which everyone never believed you could overcome!