Passover Resources and Virtual Opportunities
Friends,
Last week we concluded the book of Exodus, having retold the Israelite's journey from bondage in Egypt to becoming a free people bound together by the covenant at Mt. Sinai. We'll tell this story again on Passover in just two weeks on April 8th. As we shelter-in-place to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable in our community from sickness and danger, we might not feel as free as we have in past years. The restrictions might cause us to feel as though we ourselves are bound up in bondage. Even though Passover is going to feel very different this year, we can free ourselves from bondage by connecting with others and knowing that Jews around the world are breaking the middle matza in unison.
Our Passover story begins: "This [Matzo] is the bread of affliction that our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. Let all who are hungry come and eat...." We can open up our homes and rituals this year like never before - inviting people to join our seders digitally and joining Cantor Giglio and I in our virtual second night Seder filled with familiar songs and stories (though the smells will have to come from you). We have compiled a list of resources to help you host and participate in a virtual seder on our website. I'm also joining a panel of rabbis on March 29th at 7:00 pm to discuss having Passover this year. You must pre-register to join the conversation.
Especially at this time we can also live the teaching from the Hagadah "let all who are in need come and partake" by helping fill and distribute food from the Jewish Family Service's food pantry. If you have extra non-perishable items or are going to the grocery store (or placing an order) please consider making a non-contact donation on Monday, March 30 at the JFS Food Pantry 1440 Whalley Ave, New Haven from 11:00 am-12:00 pm. You can also bring grocery store gift cards. Staff will be there to help provide a safe method to donate and please no glass items at this time. Drivers will be needed for no contact delivery for over 300 families in need. Please let me know if you are able to help deliver food next week. Thank you for helping fulfill this important mitzvah.
As we read the Haggadah and sing songs, we'll read with special attention the line, "Now we are here, next year we will be in the land of Israel; this year we are slaves, next year we will be free people." We pray for the strength, health, and courage to continue taking care of ourselves and others from a safe distance. Physical distancing does not mean separating ourselves - it means that we must work hard to maintain connections with the people we love.
As always we are here for you if you need anything. Please do not hesitate to reach out directly if you are in need of any kind of support. We are working with many community partners to provide assistance. For the latest updates and schedule of events please visit our website.
With blessings of strength, health, and peace as we traverse the unknown together,
Rabbi Immerman