In the past few months, Rabbi Mark and I have introduced innovation and small changes to some of our Friday evening services. While we are still refining the services, we welcome your input and feedback on what we have initiated so far.
As this edition of the Profile is going to press, we are also preparing for our community Seder to be held on the second night of Pesach. Rabbi Mark and I will be introducing innovations to the way this service is held and, for those of you who participate and/or attend, we ask that you let us know how you like the changes made.
In researching and reviewing my own notes on Pesach and the Seder, I have come across some more modern interpretations for three main symbolic foods – Pesach, Matzah, and Maror – that I hope you find interesting. Since we are told that we should learn at least one new thing each year at the Seder, here are some possible new interpretations on our traditional symbols that you may find appealing enough to share with others:
Korban Pesach (sacrifice of Passover, or the paschal lamb) represents Jewish willingness to make a break from other societies that are foreign to Torah. We are symbolically slaughtering false gods and hence, idolatry.
Matzah represents spiritual simplicity, being made only of flour and water, where water represents Torah and flour represents the process of intellectual refinement. Matzah, also being flat and hard, can represent a floor or ground. Hence, it is the symbolism of the foundation of spirituality showing how purity can be attained.
Maror is a reminder that, whether we see it or not, and whether we believe it or not, Divine Providence is always actively working to bring redemption to the Jewish people even though things may seem very bitter. It often times takes the bitter to appreciate the sweet.
I leave you with this food for thought! May we all have a sweet and good holiday!
-- Cantor Linda R. Semi
