22 Comments
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Tanto Minchiata's avatar

Beautifully written. Chag Sameach.

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Robert's avatar

Great article, but I'm a little confused.

The hagadit I have seen say the question from the wise child is: "What is the meaning of the testimonies, statutes, and laws which the L-rd our G-d has commanded us?", whereas the question from the wicked child is: "What does this service mean to you?"

But, in the article, the wise child uses the word "you", while the wicked child uses the word "us".

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Robbin Close's avatar

This was one of your best writing ever Joshua. And yes, we are all a little like the 4 children, especially living in the diaspora of America. Always trying to fit in.

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Susan Sullivan's avatar

This was the most moving and beautiful piece, it brought me to tears. How right that Jewish people must come together in every way. Find each other! That is your purpose.

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Ellen Jannol's avatar

It brought me to tears as well!

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Dana Ramos's avatar

I was going to write the same thing! Wow.

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Liz's avatar

You have written such a beautiful story. Thank you.

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FreedomFighter's avatar

CHAG SAMEACH. There is nothing to add or dispute in your beautiful writing.

"Next year in Jerusalem."

Shalom

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Becky N's avatar

This is so well done

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Chrissy Knott's avatar

I think the Passover is not so much about the exodus, it led to that, but about the blood of the lamb spread on the doorpost which meant the angel passed over those who were covered by it and so were saved. It’s about obedience, trust and faith.

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David Mandel's avatar

I think I will incorporate this into our second Seder very shortly. Chag Pesach Sameach.

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Dr Zee's avatar

So true. So well written. Thank you for your writings. Chag sameach.

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sylvie Schapira's avatar

Thank you. How your article fits this Seder perfectly. I will certainly read it at next year's Seder.

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RACHAEL’S REFLECTIONS AT 85's avatar

This may be your most powerful post ever. Thank you, who would have responded to our Seder last night with a🎗️pin at each place and an empty chair with a hostage’s picture taped to its back. Created by my 55 year old daughter for 40 people of all ages. Thank you for this post (I just shared it with my daughter).

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Robbin Close's avatar

We all thank your daughter for extending your celebration by remembering those still not free in the dungeons of Gaza. Our hearts break everyday for all of those who suffered, just because they were Jewish.

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Robbin Close's avatar

Sorry this got cut off. We just keep going and growing in knowledge and experience. It made me cry and I was very moved. Thank you! Chag Sameach.

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Stephen Schecter's avatar

Very nice. Thank you for writing it.

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Debkin's avatar

Lovely

Mostly I encounter the “When are we eating?” & “I’m starving” kids

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Daisy Moses Chief Crackpot's avatar

Comin' a little late ta the seder here but imho this is durn perceptive AND honors a description of "who we are" that I didn't even/ever consider! It's the fourth set that "hoits" most...omg I know so many of these.... so many have turned to support the "resistance fighters" (oy) not havin' a CLUE who they are, who WE are, or why they've been listenin' ta the wrong people... They ain't "bad" just uber clueless... An' we have LOST them... their kids won't be re-joinin' the tribe in any form... They are truly joos that ain't.

All 4 of these qvestion-askers are US... 'tils true! But one arty-cull (literally a cullin' one!) on yer stack I sawr today bothered me muchly (apologies don't have the title in kopf).... The writer ruthlessly cut off all Reform joos as bein' "barely jooish" (not so not so! At least in NYC---my former hometown which is not longer home, sad ta say, we had ta make exodus too!, but housed so many've us--who were so much more than "bagels" which is trooly insultin'). This includes the secular, the humanistic, many in mah circle as were religious ones...so nu? Why only allow one of the four who asks inta the fold? It's like the German joos in my fam snubbin' we Litvaks. Really? We need this?

So this "THIS" is what worries me...bad enuf the attacks from the outside/but from/FRUM the inside? Only the Conservatives & Orthodox count as joos? Dumb. We might hope the last child--who knows not who "he/she" is...kin larn--tho' I fear it's too late! But the other three are yet in the fambly... lettuce NOT tear it asunder... however we define our faith, our practices. Bannin' joos that eat shrimp is just plain DUMB....

An' whut, pray tell, do we do with all the Israeli joos then? Many are secular yet they proudly know WHO THEY ARE. A call fer stickin' together an' helpin' those at the seder than don't know whut TO ask fer...

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Talia Garza Hernandez's avatar

Beautiful text about Jewish history and beliefs. Happy Passover for you all.

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