For generations, our family along with Jews all over the world have gathered together to celebrate and retell our ancient story of slavery and freedom. It is a story that is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. Some of the words we recite might seem outdated and some of the places we mention may be distant or unfamiliar, some of the foods we eat might be questionable, but the theme of the story that freedom can triumph over oppression, still resonates.

The story of Passover can be interpreted from many angles. It can be looked at literally as a biblical history of how the Jews were enslaved in Egypt and, with God’s help, eventually gained their freedom. The story be seen as a metaphor for oppression as it exists in our world today. In all the years we’ve celebrated Passover together, I can’t ever remember a time when we didn’t have to remind ourselves that even in our own world, in our own time, oppression and tyranny still exists. There is also another interpretation of the story of Passover that looks at is as a personal journey from personal slavery to freedom. It says that Passover can be an opportunity for each of us to look inward and try to discover what holds us back, what enslaves us, from living truly authentic, meaningful, happy lives.

The good news is that there is no correct way to interpret the story; everyone is free look at it however they choose.  Our only job tonight is to tell the story.  


haggadah Section: Introduction