Passover is the celebration of life. The theme of the Jewish people's triumph over oppression in Egypt is a universal message that many cultures have similarly experienced, both in the past and today. We know African slaves fought for their freedom in America, but even now African-Americans are still fighting for equal treatment. Muslims today struggle for freedom in the Middle East and as refugees in new adopted homelands. Christians and non-Christians alike in Africa seek liberty from the violent Boko Haram. Women are waging battle against a culture of rape and subordination in India.

But, against the odds, people have done more than survive -- we have adapted creatively to each new time, each new place, from the birth of our people to the present day. Even though violence and death has pursued us relentlessly, time and time again, we have chosen to fight and live.

During the many centuries of the human experience, stories of pain are tempered by tales of how the world can also be good. There have been times of slavery and humiliation. There have also been times of freedom and righteousness. Darkness has been balanced by light.

Each of our forebears have were at times forced to travel parts of the Earth in search of the safety and liberty they knew must exist. They taught us how to endure. They taught us how to progress. They were proud survivors, and passed their pride and success to future generations. Today, we celebrate our good fortune that we live better than they did, and seek the advancement of all those still struggling for their freedom.


haggadah Section: Maggid - Beginning
Source: Adapted from the Machar Congregation