Each and every year we begin the Pesach Seder
with the words:
לשנה הבאה בירושלים
“Next year in Jerusalem”
And what it has meant for nearly 2,000 years
is:
Next year will be better.
Even in the best of times, when a wonderful
Seder with family, friends, fine food and deep discussion was enjoyed, we said
these words. We declared that next year would be better.
Like breaking the glass at the end of the
wedding, we reminded ourselves not to be complacent.
We reminded ourselves that the search for
redemption requires us to constantly strive to make our lives, our community
and our world better. Next year would be better, no matter how good this year
was.
And in the worst of times, when Jews huddled
quietly to hide from their persecutors, these words, "next year in
Jerusalem", gave them comfort and strength. Even in the worst of times we
had our faith in God's compassion. Even in the worst of times we knew that
redemption was around the corner.
This year, as we gather for the Seder, alone
or in very small groups, the words לשנה הבאה
בירושלים, next year in Jerusalem, are a great
comfort. We are faced with a health and economic crisis, and the thought that a
year from now our seders will be back to normal, offers us hope during this
difficult time. Yes, next year will be better.
But we must also promise we will not be
complacent. This year, as we search for redemption, we must promise to help
each other, call each other, and support each other.
We must come together as a community to face
our challenges together.
At KJ, we are saying next year in Jerusalem.
Next year will be better. Next year the synagogue will be filled with activity
and overflowing services.
But until then we will continue to learn
together, to pray together, and to help each other
We will face our challenges together and say:
לשנה הבאה בירושלים
Next year in Jerusalem.
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