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The Passover Seder is the only meal that is didactic, meaning that instruction is folded into the experience. We are commanded to teach our children about the exodus from Egypt, no matter if they are wise, wicked, simple, or do not know how to ask.  The Seder is also remarkably fluid, nimble and responsive to the call of the day. I would not be able to fathom a guess as to how many different haggadot  are in existence, much less know the proper spelling of this book. Does it get one “g” or two, one “d” or two, and is there an “h” at the end? If you are looking for some fresh resources to utilize at your Seder this year, I invite you to peruse the non-exhaustive list that I compiled that you can find here: www.treeoflifepgh.org/worship/Passover. If you scroll down the page you will see a list of resources covering a wide range of tastes and interests. Perhaps there might be something you find useful this year?

The Haggadah continues to afford those who are interested opportunities for fresh readings and interpretations, which demonstrates to us that it is not a staid book created two millennia ago. Rather, it is a dynamic, living document that reflects the ever-changing status of our people. Readings about Soviet Jewry and the rise of American feminism offered a plethora of choices. An orange on the Seder plate and Miriam’s Cup became standards on many tables in

 the 1970’s. I have endeavored every year to add something new that is worthy and worthwhile, and I came across such a text that I wish to share. It is a rewriting of the famous Aramaic invitation for all who are hungry to join our Seder, yet raises the question that unless something drastic occurs within the week, the hostages taken on October 7, who will have been in captivity for 193 days, are hungry yet unable to join our Seder because Hamas will not release them. Many will have an empty chair at their Seder to remember them, as we have an empty chair draped with a tallit at our services.

My colleague, teacher and friend Rabbi Avi Weiss said it perfectly in an op-ed recently published. He was a champion of the Soviet Jews and worked tirelessly pushing for them to have the freedom to leave the USSR.  He re-used Moses own words which are so appropriate, indeed perfect, for today: LET MY PEOPLE GO! This says it all. No commentary is necessary.

I hope that you find the text below meaningful and consider incorporating it into your Seder this year, as, alas, the hostages still not free. May they speedily be released, reunited with their families, to enjoy a sweet Passover, a zissen Pesach, that I wish for you.