LESSONS FROM THE EXODUS
IN TODAY’S WORLDÂ
On April 22nd and 23rd, Jews around the world are going to celebrate Passover. The events which took place sometime in the thirteenth century BCE (there are many theories among modern scholars about what happened and when). In the Torah the story of the Jewish Exodus from Egypt with their leader Moses was described in great detail. It is also stated that the great multitude of other people left along with millions of animals. Now try to imagine how the entire population of Los Angeles of about 3.822 million (in 2022) managed to leave Egypt and cross the Red Sea on foot and arrive at the desert and stay there for the next forty years.
So, the question is, why will Jews celebrate the events which took place so long ago and in a foreign land, on Monday and Tuesday? Followed by the next question, why is this an important today, besides just keeping the tradition? One of the most important parts of the celebration, is called the Seder (order), which is retelling the Story of the Exodus for the ears of young children. The story is about ten tribes whose father was Jacob, also known as Israel, who lived in Egypt for at least 215 years. They were cousins and, like all cousins, they differed from one another. Only after spending forty years in the desert together, away from their Egyptian oppressors, they became a nation. United to cross the Jordan River and to capture land which was promised to their forefathers as their homeland.
Getting together at the festive table to share food and drinks is a very good reminder that there are more things which unite us than separate. And this message is not only for Jews. In challenging times, only unity can help us to accomplish a better future for our children and this will depend on which story we are telling them.
Flower bouquets are the best way to bring beauty to the festive table, as the above three images can attest.
Enjoy and Share!