As I was reminded over and again in my seminary studies, “The defining metaphor of the Jewish people is the Exodus from Egypt.”
Lionel Messi's football prowess led Barcelona and Argentina to numerous victories, paralleling the biblical concept of a Messiah—one that Israel needs as it faces ongoing threats.
“They immediately said, ‘We’ll have to figure out a new way,’” recalled Balser, who represents the heavily Jewish suburb of Newton.
On this Sabbath, it is customary in many communities to read Shir Hashirim, the “Song of Songs” – the biblical love song composed by King Solomon.
We have always known that we cannot be protected by anyone besides ourselves, which is why an overwhelming 95% of the Jewish community are Zionists.
On Passover, when we sit down to the Seder table, we declare together, “In every generation, they rise against us to annihilate us, but the Holy One, blessed be He, saves us from their hands.”
This unfortunate reality made me leave Europe with a bad taste in my mouth. I was honored to have helped their son become a full member of the Jewish community, but I worried for his future.
Part of the secret of this perseverance is the timeless messages of Passover and their ability to inspire new meaning in each generation.
The origins of the Haggadah are not clear, but the commandment to retell the Exodus comes from a strange night-long meeting of five sages.