The world post-October 7 has been painful for many of us. For some of us, the grief is still all-encompassing. For others, we've turned to Jewish joy and the power of Jewish rituals. And for others, it still all feels like a struggle. How do you plan a meaningful and relevant Passover Seder in a post-October 7 world, when antisemitism is at a high point?
Whether you turn to comedy, or meditation, or tradition, whether you address the current moment head-on o you choose to have a night not to think about it--it's all natural and normal. It's all allowed. It's all okay. So this Passover, go easy on yourself, and each other. Create a seder that will be meaningful to you, your family, and your guests, and make special memories together. If our stories and holidays have taught us anything, it's that we are an incredibly resilient people. Passover is a powerful reminder of our strength. May we all lean into that strength this year.
If you're hosting a Seder this year and want to address the current moment but don't know how, use these tips, readings, and resources:
1. Use this guide by Shomer Collective for coping with an empty chair at the table. Whether you're honoring someone you knew and loved, or coping with the loss of people you've never met, this guide can help. You may also purposefully set an empty chair at your table to recognize and honor those who cannot be there with us in person.
2. Say a prayer for the remaining hostages. Incorporate this beautiful reading into your Haggadah to take a minute to pray for the health and strength and freedom of those who remain in captivity.
3. Lead with stories of your ancestors. At times when the world is difficult, we can find strength in the stories of our ancestors. They prevailed through the unimaginable. So can we. Find ways to make space for your elders and their stories in this Haggadah supplement by the Shalom Hartman Institute.
4. Incorporate this Mental Health Seder Plate by Blue Dove Foundation. On difficult days, when we feel stuck, it's important to take care of ourselves. What goes on your mental health seder plate?