Clergy Blog

Dear Friends,

Tonight we reach Shabbat haChodesh, the Shabbat preceding the new moon, marking the start of the month of Nissan, the month of Passover! 

Passover is called z’man cheiruteinu— the festival of our freedom. This should make sense given that we recite at the seder, once we were slaves, now we are free. Have you ever asked, though, free for what, exactly? Free to be you and me, as the folk song goes? Free to pursue whatever we like? Free to speak, think, and live however we choose? Yes, and not entirely.

When looking at the slavery we escaped, the Haggadah cites a disagreement among the sages. Shmuel argued that we found freedom from physical slavery, which would mean that freedom here would be freedom of movement, freedom of self-determination. Rav, on the other hand, suggested that it was idolatry and spiritual destitution escaped. This means, a freedom of the spirit, freedom of worship, freedom to serve the One who deserves our service. 

Physical freedom is an absolute necessity; there is no debate there. It's something for which we yearn especially as we think about our brethren who continue to be held hostage in Gaza. And our tradition requires more of us. Spiritual freedom, per our understanding and history, is one of service. Not freedom to do whatever we want, but freedom to serve the true God, which also means freedom to be God’s partners in serving humanity and all of Creation. 

This month, we celebrate the spiritual opportunity, and expectation, that in our God-given freedom, we commit, of our own free will, to a life of service, to a life where all can find redemption from the Egypts of their lives. Imagine— a world of physical and spiritual freedom, where all human beings choose to be there for each other, and live lives of holiness. This is the ultimate redemption we seek, for which we pray, and to which, I hope, we dedicate ourselves this month of Nissan. 

On a practical note, let Shabbat haChodesh serve as a reminder that we now have just two weeks to prepare our homes and seders! 

As you begin Passover shopping, remember that as religiously liberal Jews, per a responsum from the Conservative Movement a number of years ago, it is permitted for us all to eat kitniyot, which include such food items as rice, legumes, and corn. This means that there are many more foods open to us for the holiday than we may be accustomed to. At this link, you’ll find an organized list of products that are perfectly acceptable for Passover even though they’re not labeled as such if purchased before the holiday. Meanwhile, before you begin cleaning, make sure to eat as many of those starches you’ve got stowed away as possible! And, take this as a good opportunity to donate your non-perishable chameitz! 

In the spirit of community, we know that some of our community members may not have family or friends with whom they can celebrate Passover. If you would consider hosting one or some at your seder, or you’re in need of a place at a seder, please let me know so that we can make the right pairings and ensure a blessed festival for all.

There are times where for our morning chag services (or Shabbat services), we need help making a minyan. Please let me know if you would be willing to be one of those to whom we reach out when we need more folks at services. Sometimes we come to synagogue to pray, and sometimes we come to be there for others. Either way, you’re doing a mitzvah!

Lastly, a reminder that a number of us from B’nai Abraham will be seeing October 8 at AMC East Hanover 12 this coming Sunday at 3:45 PM. Please come join us to see this extremely important documentary on post-October 7 Antisemitism.

That’s all for now. Shabbat shalom and an early zissen Pesach,

Dave