All Who are Hungry
I have always found one of the most powerful statements in the Passover Hagadah to be Kol Difchin Yeitei V’yeichol: All who are hungry come and eat. This sentence serves not only as a public invitation, but as a reminder to all of us that we have responsibilities that go far beyond our dining room. We are enjoined to reach beyond our comfort zone and be mindful of the widow, the stranger and the orphan numerous times throughout the Bible. The Passover Seder provides us with a specific way to act upon the command to remember them. There are many within our community that have no Seder to attend, each person in his/her own unique set of circumstances, and I do not refer only to individuals. There might be a couple, or perhaps even a family, that is home by themselves, that would probably benefit from a community to celebrate Passover. While it is true that we might not know whom those people are unless they make themselves known, I ask here that if you or your family find yourselves alone for Passover and would like to join in a Seder, please make yourself known to me or our office. If you are a family that is willing and gracious to open your home to others, also let us know. We will do our best to effectively pair hosts with guests. Please also note the kind invitation that we have received from Rodef Shalom to join them at their community Seder the first evening of Passover. If that is of interest to you, also contact our office so that we can help you make your reservation.
Among the beautiful responses to October 27 has been the creation of www.2forseder.org, spearheaded by Marnie Fienberg, the daughter-in-law of Joyce Fienberg, of blessed memory. Marnie’s idea, which we heartily endorse, is that education and creating bridges of understanding is important to eradicating H speech. She encourages all of us to invite two people who are not Jewish to our Seder, to grow relationships and create opportunities for dialogue. You can learn more about this program at the site www.2forseder.org, register your name as a participant, and download resources to help you in the planning and running of your Seder.
One of the wonderful things about the Internet is the wealth of resources that are available from so many places, 7.72 million to be exact. From how to guides, explanations, readings to enhance the Hagadah, melodies, recipes, crafts for the table and even costume ideas, everyone can find something useful, and this is what the Internet is supposed to be. In its’ own unique way, the Internet calls us with the ancient text from the Hagadah: All who are hungry come and eat. If the Internet can do it, so must we.
