Dear Kehila,

What a wonderful Chag we had! It was great to see so many of you in Shule over yomtov. I’m sure you all had meaningful and joyous Seders this year.

Our communal second night Seder was really special. There was fun, laughter, and inspiration all around.

One of the messages I reflect on this year is the concept of freedom. In Hebrew we use the word חירות. We call this holiday זמן חירותינו- The Holiday of our freedom.

This Hebrew word has deep meaning, for there are different types of freedom.

There is the freedom that, “I can do what ever I want.” While technically this looks like freedom, this is not what we celebrate on pesach.

חירות refers to the freedom to make the right choice. In fact the one who experiences this freedom may be very busy and time restricted. However they live with a spirit that soars with meaning and inner joy. It reminds me of the saying, “if you want something done, give it to a busy person.”

It’s when we are utilising our freedom correctly, then we discover how free we truly are to accomplish great things.

Pesach teaches us to utilise our freedom and channel it towards good productive purposes. At the Seder we learn and teach our children how to utilise the gift of freedom. One the greatest gifts in life.

On these last days of Pesach we celebrate the miracles of the splitting of the sea. We pray for miracles for the Jewish people.

We pray on this holiday of freedom that Hashem should grant a miracle and freedom to all the hostages and allow them to be reunited with their families. May we all merit true freedom in our lives.

Chag Sameach!