Freedom and deliverance
Shalom, dear children!
Freedom and deliverance: that is what Pesach is all about.
At the time of Moshe (Moses), G-d delivered Israel and everyone who joined Israel from the slavery in Egypt. G-d even cared for the smallest details: “And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet” (Deuteronomy 29 verse 5). G-d’s care for us, even for the smallest details, shows His great love for us. He is the Creator of heaven and earth, but even cares for me! I can never learn enough from such love. And you?
During the first evening of Pesach we celebrate a ceremonial meal according to the Pesach Haggada. This is a small book with the order of the traditional blessings and songs which all of Israel recites and sings. In the Haggada is written, that each generation should experience Pesach as if we physically went out of Egypt with Moshe and Israel. Imagine how it must have been at that special time: Moshe spoke directly with G-d. He also led the small people of Israel out of the mighty Egypt. Imagine the Red Sea crossing: Israel was almost trapped between the sea and the furious Egyptians, but G-d saved us right on time. He saved me right on time! Dream about the giving of the Tora on Mount Sinai. Our Father in Heaven is so mighty!
The Haggada speaks about four sons who speak about Pesach:
1. the wise son, who is very interested and asks detailled questions;
2. the evil son, who asks very little, is uninterested and thinks it is dumb to keep all the laws and traditions of Pesach. This son doesn’t feel a part of Israel;
3. the simple son, who asks simple questions;
4. the son who doesn’t no how to ask a question.
The Jewish tradition teaches that the sons who are interested, are the ones who feel they are a part of Israel. They are curious to learn, and wish to know the best way to celebrate Pesach. On the other hand, the sons who are not interested, think Pesach to be oldfashioned and dusty. To them, Pesach has no personal meaning. What do you think?
Our Father in Heaven saved us physically from Egypt. Likewise, He can save us through His Son Yeshua (Jesus). Yeshua offers us a new life. This doesn’t mean that the Tora is not valid anymore. However, it does mean that He gaves us Yeshua: the perfect and sinless example of how to live our lives according to His Tora. Yeshua died for us. Thanks to His sacrifice we do not have to die, but we may live! ??Both of these two forms of salvation, from slavery and from death, give us freedom. This year, will you also celebrate Pesach as a delivered child of G-d??
Happy Pesach! Chag sameach!
Noa Naor, Jerusalem
Verse to remember: “In that I command you today to love the Lord your G-d, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your G-d will bless you in the land which you go to possess” (Devarim/Deuteronomy 30 verse 16).