Rabbi Andrea Steinberger reminds us that our lives, as individuals and as a Jewish people, are filled with bitter and sweet moments, often both at the same time. Life is like the combination of the maror and the charoset, and yet everything will somehow be OK. The Hillel sandwich helps to tell the complicated story of our people’s birth, with all of its sorrow and joy. She then asks: What is your story, your memory of how bitter and sweet have been combined in your life? What is your  korech  moment?

Finally, the Haggadah emphasizes that we should eat the Pesach, matzah, and maror “ b’yachad, ” together. Rabbi Oren Hayon explains: “We combine the sweet and bitter elements of the sandwich as a reminder not to remain complacent about other’s suffering during times of ease and comfort, not to lose our capacity for hope and joy in times of struggle.” Ask yourself: In the face of the challenges that you have faced in the year since our last Passover celebration, how do you maintain hope and joy?

May this year’s Hillel sandwich bring added meaning to your seder this year. Dayenu!


haggadah Section: Koreich