This Passover, as we commemorate our people’s liberation from Egypt, don’t forget that while our ancestors made it to Israel, their journey toward freedom continues through own contemporary journeys. As a Jewish community and as individuals, we continue to seek liberation from oppressors that seek our demise and other forces that imprison us in a variety of ways.
For so many us, overwhelming emotions like guilt, embarrassment, and insecurity enslave us today. These emotions are the result of our own personal traumas, shortcomings, and insecurities. As Passover begins, assuming we have done the work needed to repair any damage done to others as a result of our missing the mark, it is time to see the negative emotions that have too much power in our lives as chametz – bread products. It’s time to dispose of them and liberate ourselves.
At this week’s Healing Service at RSBI, I shared the lesson above. I talked about how our wounds and missteps lead to broken pieces which we carry around within us. While these broken pieces are often things we’re not proud of, Judaism reminds us that they, along with the parts of us that are whole, make us holy. Please take this lesson to heart over Passover. May it help you find personal liberation and empower you to embrace your broken and whole pieces and cross your own personal Red Sea.
Wishing you all a sweet, meaningful, liberating Passover, and may be bring all of our hostages home!