Created in partnership with Josh Feinberg and Sara Wolkenfeld
Kitchen, Kiev, Ukraine, 1991 © Zion Ozeri
Anyone who is famished should come and eat, anyone who is in need should come and partake of the Pesach sacrifice. Now we are here; next year we will be in the land of Israel. Now we are enslaved; next year we will be free people.
For Discussion:
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What feeling or mood do you get from this photograph? What elements of the photograph contribute to that feeling?
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Try to imagine this woman’s story. Who is she? What is she thinking or feeling?
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How do you connect this photograph to the Haggadah text?
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Why do you think the text says, “now we are enslaved”? Does this woman represent freedom or slavery to you?
For Further Reflection:
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Jewish tradition emphasizes that all human beings have a Divine spark within them. We can access this spark and bring it into the world when we care for others. You can read more about this idea here. What do you think are the most important ways to show care for others in the world right now? How might we show our concern for others even as we participate in holiday celebrations?
- It’s always important to cultivate generosity, even when we do not have the means or opportunity to give money to others. In this source, the great medieval scholar Maimonides explains that even if someone cannot donate to a person in need, he or she is still obligated to speak warmly to the individual and try to lift their spirits. What are some of the uplifting messages of Passover that you might want to share with someone who is poor or feeling desperate? How might we speak to, or about, those who are less fortunate, in order to build their confidence and self-esteem?
Tell Your Own Story:
Take a picture with this question in mind: In what aspects of your life do you feel blessed with abundance? What do you most want to share with others? After you take your photo, give it a caption. You can find some helpful photography tips here.