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What I Learned from My “Lost Passover”
Two years ago, for the first time ever, I didn’t attend a seder. A virulent infection was poisoning my body and I was fighting for my life.
Remembering Dr. King, Our Modern-Day Moses
As we mark 50 years since Dr. King was assassinated, and in thinking about his connection with Moses, I’m drawn to Dr. King’s “I’ve Been To the Mountaintop.”
Arbaah minim
Literally, “four species.” The Torah specifies four species to bring together on Sukkot. The four species are: lulav (branches of palm trees), etrog (citron), hadasim (myrtle branches), and aravot (willows) (Leviticus 23:40).
Beitzah
Literally, “egg.” It is an item on the Passover seder plate that represents the Passover sacrifice from biblical times. And, it symbolizes the spring season.
Chazeret
Another vegetable, often romaine lettuce, that appears on the Passover seder plate. Chazeret is used in addition to maror as a bitter herb.
Dayenu
Literally, “It Is Enough for Us.” A seder song of gratitude that recounts many miracles and gifts from God associated with the Exodus story, any one of which “would have been enough.”
Four cups
The Passover seder includes four cups of wine, one for each of God’s promises/expressions of Redemption: “I will take you out;” “I will save you;” “I will redeem you;” and “I will take you as a nation” (Exodus 6:6-7).
Haggadah
Literally, “telling.” This is the Jewish text that sets forth the order of the Passover seder. Plural: Haggadot.