Rabbi Evan Schultz:
It was never about the four children,
but about seeing our children
for exactly who they are.
It was never about the four questions,
but about living with curiosity.
It was never about Dayenu,
but about going to sleep affirming
that today I was and I am enough.
It was never about the matzah,
but about acknowledging
the profound fragility of life.
It was never about the seder plate,
but about recognizing
the symbolism in everyday things.
It was never about the maggid,
but about asking our parents
to teach us their stories.
It was never about the saltwater,
but about giving space for tears.
It was never about the plagues,
but about recognizing where
our broken world needs us most.
It was never about the four cups,
but about embracing life's joys.
It was never about the seder,
but about seeking a sense
of order in a very chaotic world.
It was never about Elijah,
but about believing that
a better world is still possible.
It was never about the haggadah,
but about tradition telling us
that we each have a story to write.
It was, however, always about
the matzah ball soup.
Rabbi Hanna Yerushalmi:
It's Not Enough
On all other years,
we dip the parsley
in the salt water.
This year, it's not enough
to just remember the tears
of our ancestors.
It's not enough
to just remember the tears
of our ancestors.
It's not enough
to just taste the bitterness
of ancient bondage.
This night, after we dip,
do one more mitzvah:
drink that saltwater.
Sip the acrid water and
let your own bitterness rise up,
let your own tears well up.
For the ones still shattered and broken.
For the ones still stuck in dank tunnels.
For the ones still shackled in captivity.
We are still slaves,
not yet totally free,
not yet totally free.
This year, it's not enough
to just dip the parsley,
This year drink the salt water.