Happy Passover to those that celebrate. Tonight is the first night of Passover and I believe that our Seder tradition will take on even more meaning in today’s environment.
I would like to share the discussion questions that I will pose during our Virtual Seder tonight. This concept of inviting someone to your sacred meal is not limited to Passover and can be applied to all of us.
Question:
Who would you like to sit in Elijah’s chair at your Seder? In today’s context of social distancing, the connection with a loved one who is not present is even more poignant.
Elijah is the prophet who never died. He is viewed as eternally returning to help the poor and assist those in need. When we believe in Elijah, and invite him to join us at the table, we receive a special gift or blessing because we can imagine him and his good deeds.
The special cup for Elijah, and in some families a chair for Elijah, is a reminder to invite spirit of generosity and goodness to join us at the Seder.
In some families, the children go to the door and open it for Elijah so that Elijah, or another good soul, can enter. (See footnotes below for Torah references)
Kids: Who is missing from our table this evening? Who do we need to invite in?
Kids & Adults: What special person would you most like to share tonight’s festival meal? This person can be alive today, or not. It might be a friend, relative, or someone that you would like to meet. Please share who this person is and why you would like to share tonight’s Seder with them.
Adults: Whom do we need to help us complete our journey from “slavery” to “freedom”? Who helps each of us become complete? Who or what do we need to lead us on our journey to freedom?
You can find my blog on this topic here.
Regards,
Andy
