As we have anxiously watched the revolutions and unrest across the Arab world in recent weeks and wonder about long term ramifications, we recall our own revolution, as an enslaved people rescued from the tyranny of a great empire and redeemed by God, thus beginning a covenantal journey. Interestingly, the ritual that is perhaps most powerful in our heritage, that is celebrated more than any other, and has survived for thousands of years around the world, is the Seder. Celebrating the beginning of our redemption, the Seder codified and branded the messages that we are supposed to transmit to the next generation.
Centered around children, with its questions, symbols and drama and supported by the commandment לבנך והגדת – “and you should teach your children”, we are given a clear directive about the centrality of education and our responsibility to the next generation to transmit our heritage and values . But we do so, as Rambam asserts, by also engaging, reliving the Exodus as if we, ourselves had gone out of Egypt.
Yet this seminal event is commemorated not – as one might perhaps expect –with triumphalism, but with humility. The “mighty hand and outstretched arm” that we celebrate is God’s, not ours. We eat poor man’s bread, and remember our humble beginnings with a lesson about how to treat the stranger in our midst. We open our doors to all who are hungry. The story that we tell is required to reach back to our lowly beginnings, as slaves and idol-worshippers. And it is so important that everyone must be involved, whether they be wise, wicked, simple, or unable even to ask a question. The message and responsibility of reaching and teaching all children could not be clearer.
At Hidden Sparks, and in partnership with our coaches, schools and partner agencies, the values of reaching and teaching all children, of life-long learning, and recognizing the different gifts that each of us have are core to our mission and programs. By reaching, teaching and embracing all children, and by consciously transmitting these values in our homes, schools and community, we will foster a generation of involved, committed and empowered members of the Jewish community.
Director’s Corner
Passover Message from Hidden Sparks
April 2011
Nissan 5771
Dear Friends,
As we have anxiously watched the revolutions and unrest across the Arab world in recent weeks and wonder about long term ramifications, we recall our own revolution, as an enslaved people rescued from the tyranny of a great empire and redeemed by God, thus beginning a covenantal journey. Interestingly, the ritual that is perhaps most powerful in our heritage, that is celebrated more than any other, and has survived for thousands of years around the world, is the Seder. Celebrating the beginning of our redemption, the Seder codified and branded the messages that we are supposed to transmit to the next generation.
Centered around children, with its questions, symbols and drama and supported by the commandment לבנך והגדת – “and you should teach your children”, we are given a clear directive about the centrality of education and our responsibility to the next generation to transmit our heritage and values . But we do so, as Rambam asserts, by also engaging, reliving the Exodus as if we, ourselves had gone out of Egypt.
Yet this seminal event is commemorated not – as one might perhaps expect –with triumphalism, but with humility. The “mighty hand and outstretched arm” that we celebrate is God’s, not ours. We eat poor man’s bread, and remember our humble beginnings with a lesson about how to treat the stranger in our midst. We open our doors to all who are hungry. The story that we tell is required to reach back to our lowly beginnings, as slaves and idol-worshippers. And it is so important that everyone must be involved, whether they be wise, wicked, simple, or unable even to ask a question. The message and responsibility of reaching and teaching all children could not be clearer.
At Hidden Sparks, and in partnership with our coaches, schools and partner agencies, the values of reaching and teaching all children, of life-long learning, and recognizing the different gifts that each of us have are core to our mission and programs. By reaching, teaching and embracing all children, and by consciously transmitting these values in our homes, schools and community, we will foster a generation of involved, committed and empowered members of the Jewish community.
Chag Sameach,
Debbie Niderberg
Executive Director