“My father was a wandering Aramean” this reading of the verse, the opening verse that makes up the largest part of Haggadah - The Telling of the Exodus - is from the 15th century Italian Rabbi Ovadia ben Jacob Sforno. Sforno says that this verse refers to the Yakkov Avinu (the Patriarch Jacob), who lived in Aram white escaping from his brother Esau. While there, Sforno says, Yakkov was effectively homeless, and did not have the stability to raise his family, to become a nation.

As we are beginning the story of our people, as we are sitting at this holiday table, the Haggadah reminds us: first and foremost, before there was oppression, before we could even think about redemption, we needed housing. Only then we could think of building a home, building a peoplehood. 

“What does it mean for us that our story couldn’t begin until after our ancestors had found stable housing?”

As we get ready to ask the four questions, the moment that launches the story telling of the evening, we exclaim in Aramaic “ Ha Lachma Anya… Kol dichfin yeitei v’yeichol, kol ditzrich yeitei v’yifsach. ” This is the bread affliction… let everyone who wants come and eat, let everyone who needs come and eat this Pesach with us.” First and foremost we need to remember those most in need, we need to open our doors and hearts. Let us commit to do all we can to ensure everyone has a house, to ensure everyone can build a home!

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haggadah Section: Maggid - Beginning