Our
Pesach began with our fulfilling our hope set last year at seder, "Next
Year in Jerusalem." We attended a seder at the home of a local rabbi with
whom we have become close this year. She warned us that they "…go late and
that everyone is expected to stay until the end." It turns out that 'late'
translates to 3:45am. Yes, 3:45AM. What did we do all that time? Talk, pray,
share, sing, chant, dance, eat. Not in that order, mind you. From the intensity
of Jerusalem and a very full seder, we headed to Tel Aviv, where clearly all
the chametz has not been removed. Though even at chametz-serving
establishments, pesach-safe "bread" can be found. While the rest of
the country is out on tiyyul (trips) clogging roadways and national parks, we
have been enjoying the beach, eating bamba (think peanut butter meets puffy
cheeto), and savoring lots of hummus and chips (fries). Tonight (Tuesday night)
we returned to Jerusalem for a wonderful concert by participants at an academy
that brings Israelis of various backgrounds (largely secular) together before
or after military service to study Jewish and Western texts. The Ein Prat Academy
for Leadership is a fascinating experiment in helping current 20-somethings
find a non-orthodox approach to Judaism. They also write some great music and call
themselves "The Fountainheads" (The Fountainheads of Ein Prat)
On
our way home, we stopped by a tent outside the Prime Minister's residence where
a group of Ethiopian Jews have been living for two months to highlight the
racism in Israeli society against Ethiopians. Sick, I know. Jewish racists. It
happens – far too often. I cannot tell you how many times I have read, or
thought on my own, and as you know I have spoken publicly about this before:
far greater than external threats, like Iran, Israel has internal battles that
could tear the nation apart. The news from Israel is probably clogged with
information about Iran and various political crises. While those stories are surely
very real, what is changing this country, for the better, are places like Ein
Prat and social protests like those of the Ethiopians. And conversely, what is
changing and threatening this country, for the worse, are the people who
advocate for greater enforcement of religious extremism and people who consider
themselves above the law and above other humans – let alone fellow Jews.
We
are in the midst of a festival of freedom and yet there are many in Israel who
are not free. Women who are victims of human trafficking, Palestinians who are
subject to unfair treatment, African refugees who are stateless, Ethiopian Jews
who face discrimination, Charedi children who are born into communities that
are anything but free.
I
hope that your Pesach has been an enjoyable one but one that is tempered by the
maror and matzah. The bitter herb and bread of affliction are mitzvahs to eat
but as with every ritual act, there is an ethical and moral lesson to learn.
There is bitterness and affliction in our world. Until we eradicate them for
everyone, the Messianic Era will elude us. As we march toward Shavuot and the
receiving of Torah, may we find ways to lessen those problems which we – as
Jews and as humans – have created and/or are faced.
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