B'chol Dor Va'Dor - In each generation

Maybe because Spring is such a hopeful time, a moment of rebirth and dream optimism. Maybe because Passover (Pesach) is my favorite holiday. Whatever the reason, I am deeply moved once again by a line in the Haggadah that says, "In each generation, every individual should feel as though he or she had actually been redeemed from Mitzrayim" (Mitzrayim means Egypt but also means a restricted, narrow or difficult place, ie. between a rock and a hard place - tzuris shares the same Hebrew root).  I believe this statement is profound on a number of levels but in particular in stressing how important it is to be able to feel a sense of ownership of our tradition and it's story. Each of us is an important part of the larger fabric of the Jewish people and our history, but also each of us as individuals can find personal meaning in the story of moving from slavery to freedom, from that hard place to a better place in our lives. Whether it is fighting and surviving cancer, grappling with what to do about elderly parents, trying to stay afloat financially, or dealing with the ups and downs of relationships -no matter the difficult situation or challenge, our faith can give us the tools and support needed to find the courage, inspiration, love and hope to overcome whatever holds us back. I find that Pesach gives me the chance to look beyond the tzuris, count the blessings God has given me, and to look forward to breaking the chains of those things which limit or diminish me. It helps me realize the potential inside myself, and recognize where I am in the journey of freedom. A freedom journey, which is about using our precious days to better our personal lives, our families, and that of our larger community. Understood in this way, b'chol dor va'dor (in each generation) we can honestly tell our children and grandchildren, this is what God, the Eternal One did for me when I went forth from Mitzrayim. May God's love and guidance strengthen all of us as we march forward to freedom. Chag Sameach!