When I was young, I looked forward to Pesach because it was when everyone in the family would get together for our Seder. My grandfather sat at the head of the table and my grandmother never sat at all. The hustle and bustle would settle down for a few minutes when we asked the Ma Nishtana and again when we drank the four cups, ate the Matza and searched for the Afikoman. We also grew up testing our manliness by trying to eat the “real” Chrain (maror) without crying. Of course there was Afikoman negotiations and presents as well. I am sure that each of us has our favourite Pesach memories from our childhood.
Now that I am the one sitting at the head of the table, I do my best to give my children and my grandson similar memories. This is what Pesach is all about. It’s about family and tradition. This is recognized in the Haggada with the story of the four different sons who attend the Seder. The simple son, the wise son, the wicked son and the one who doesn’t even know where to begin.
No matter what type of life a child leads, family is family and they always have a place at the table. What a beautiful message about how a family should function. Many years ago when a child would “marry-out,” the parents would sit Shiva. This always disturbed me because even if a child does take that extreme step, family is family and we need to love our children unconditionally.
As we begin Pesach, I want to wish everyone a Chag Sameach with best wishes for a wonderful stress free (is this possible) holiday surrounded by family and good friends.
Chag Sameach!
Rabbi Boruch Perton
