When it comes holiday time, we tend to congregate with our families. In Judaism, this goes back to biblical times. The very first holiday celebration of Passover was held before the Jewish people left Egypt. While still in Egypt, the Jews were already instructed to congregate as a family and celebrate their freedom. Think about it. The very first Seder in history was celebrated before the Jewish people were even liberated. On account of this display of faith, they were rewarded with their liberation.
Often the difference between bondage and liberation begins with our attitude and belief that it is possible to change the status quo. This year as we celebrate Passover once again, let us not miss out on a wonderful opportunity. Passover brings with it a chance to liberate ourselves from all those things which hold us back. Passover should be celebrated as an opportunity not just a commemorative holiday.
Uniting as a family during the holidays also gives us the strength to experience liberation. Uniting with our family gives us a chance to stop and realize that we are not just individuals each with our own limitations, rather we draw on each other’s strengths and have a responsibility for each other.
What about those who don’t have the means, or family with whom to celebrate? As a Rabbi, I take the liberty to answer this question with another question: Have you ever been to a proper Seder where there were no guests?
It is no secret that on holidays we celebrate with the best food and beverages. When Maimonides explains our requirements to have wonderful meals on the holiday, he writes the following: “Anyone who celebrates in this festive manner without orphans, widows or the needy at their table has not made festivities for the holiday, rather they have made festivities for their stomachs!”
On the holidays, we read verses from the Torah that talk about being generous to those less fortunate than us to remind ourselves of this important message.
For more articles by Rabbi Baron go to www.sunnychabad.org
