Nirtzah marks the conclusion of the seder. Our bellies are full, we have had several glasses of wine, we have told stories and sung songs, and now it is time for the evening to come to a close.

Though it comes at the end of the seder, this moment also marks a beginning. We are beginning the next season with a renewed awareness of the freedoms we enjoy and the obstacles we must still confront. We are looking forward to the time that we gather together again. Having retold stories of the Jewish people, recalled historic movements of liberation, and reflected on the struggles people still face for freedom and equality, we are ready to embark on a year that we hope will bring positive change in the world and freedom to people everywhere.

In  The Leader's Guide to the Family Participation Haggadah: A Different Night, Rabbi David Hartman writes: “Passover is the night for reckless dreams; for visions about what a human being can be, what society can be, what people can be, what history may become.”

What can we do to fulfill our reckless dreams? What will be our legacy for future generations?

Tradition dictates that we now declare "Next year in Jerusalem!".

For some people, the recitation of this phrase expresses the anticipation of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem and the return of the Messiah. For others, it is an affirmation of hope and of connectedness with Klal Yisrael, the whole of the Jewish community. Still others yearn for peace in Israel/Palestine and for all those living in the Diaspora. This year especially, we offer some alternatives to those who do not feel comfortable ending the seder with a declaration of intention to be in a place where all are not yet welcome.

Let all who find the city holy, live in peace and freedom. 

Let those envisioning a Jerusalem of peace, feel empowered to see their vision to fruition.

Let Jerusalem live up to the vision of the prophets that nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they know war anymore (Isaiah 2:4). 

Let this holy place embody tzelem elohim (dignity of every human being).

Let the gates of justice open for all Israelis and Palestinians to experience collective freedom.

Let all those in a place of narrowness, move to a place of expansiveness, from darkness to light, and from oppression to redemption (Acheinu prayer).

Next year in a just, and free world.

“L'shana ha-ba b’heroot"



haggadah Section: