We talk a lot about trauma in Jewish circles — our people have endured quite a lot. Passover is one example; a holiday devoted not only to retelling but also to reliving the story of our enslavement and oppression. Though the story eventually leads to our liberation, that freedom is hard-won. Human rights don’t come easily, the haggadah seems to tell us.
But what do we do today with the echo of all this pain? The Torah tell us: we transform our trauma into resolve to stand up for others. We use the memory of our pain not only to inspire compassion, but to stand with those experiencing oppression today. That’s what propels the work of AJWS.
I wanted to speak with you to dive deeper, so I recorded this message. I hope my words resonate with you before we sit down at the seder table.
May your Passover be empowering and your seder meaningful. And may we help each other transform this story of ancient trauma into fuel to fight for a better world today.
Chag Pesach sameach,
Rabbi Elizabeth Richman
P.S. We invite you to use our Passover resources around your seder table, such as the AJWS Global Justice Haggadah, and engaging readings, rituals, and family activities.