It is easy to hear the story of the Jews enslavement in Egypt and then escape to freedom as ancient history. But, in many ways, it is my story, our story, today’s story. This is my 77th Passover. I learned the story and the Seder rituals at my parents’ table, and they knew of the escape to freedom. They were forced to flee Nazi Germany, leaving everything and almost everyone they knew. They themselves had passed over. It wasn’t ancient history. The plates on our seder table, the silverware we use, the red velvet matzo cover made for my dad were all theirs, having miraculously survived the holocaust and their oceanic -- as well as metaphorical -- crossing.
Wow Jay, this "Reflection" you share is a genuinie surprise to me. You have such a deeply emotional, personal, vivid connection to history. And, until the present generation, it is a completely different history than my own. Different events, different narratives, different traditions, different geographies. It is almost like we grew up on two different planets. I did not appreciate that at all until I read your "Reflection." Congratulations to us for meeting and being willing to listen to each other. Thank you for your reflection.
Beautifully stated and written Jay. If you look at history in terms of the maturation of the human race it is often too easy to dwell on all the horrors of our past and instead reflect on how far we have actually come. I have many fears for our democracy for instance , but remain positive that things will indeed continue to improve. To think otherwise is defeatist, and I prefer to rely on faith.
It's often hard to keep the faith in the face of all the assaults on decency, but surrendering to cynicism or defeatism offers no hope while holding out for some better possibility at least offers some and invites us to follow our better angels.
Wow Jay, this "Reflection" you share is a genuinie surprise to me. You have such a deeply emotional, personal, vivid connection to history. And, until the present generation, it is a completely different history than my own. Different events, different narratives, different traditions, different geographies. It is almost like we grew up on two different planets. I did not appreciate that at all until I read your "Reflection." Congratulations to us for meeting and being willing to listen to each other. Thank you for your reflection.
Vive la difference. And vive all that we share too!!
Lovely, Jay. Grateful.
Thanks, Jane
Thanks, Jane. I just never know what the writing gods will offer!
Beautifully stated and written Jay. If you look at history in terms of the maturation of the human race it is often too easy to dwell on all the horrors of our past and instead reflect on how far we have actually come. I have many fears for our democracy for instance , but remain positive that things will indeed continue to improve. To think otherwise is defeatist, and I prefer to rely on faith.
It's often hard to keep the faith in the face of all the assaults on decency, but surrendering to cynicism or defeatism offers no hope while holding out for some better possibility at least offers some and invites us to follow our better angels.