10 Ways to Merge October 7th into our Seder Experience

Mah Nishtana - מה נשתנה - Asking Questions of Hashem

How is this year’s Pesach different from every other Pesach?

The Mishna writes  וכאן הבן שואל,  at this stage the child asks. We are children of Hashem and we have many questions this year - far more than 4 questions. Asking questions isn’t a lack of faith. It reflects our emunah that there are reasons we may not be aware of.

The Story of Rebbi Akiva and the Five Rabbis

These Rabbis lived under brutal Roman oppression. That great generation showed uncommon faith and courage. We are displaying similar bravery. Rebbi Akiva had the privilege to teach Torah to soldiers defending our homeland. That privilege has returned after 2000 years.

We Cried Out to Hashem.  'ונצעק אל ה

The Torah merely describes them screaming out in agony  ויאנחו בנ"ית, yet Hashem regarded their cries of misery as Tefilla. May Hashem similarly takes all our cries, fears and moments of panic as tefillot for our people.

Dayenu

We may not have everything we hoped for and expected in Israel. Let’s find the capacity to be grateful for what we have been given. Our grandparents would gladly trade places with us to live in Israel.

Pesach

That night in Egypt Hashem passed over our homes. Sadly this past year we weren’t passed over. Let us hope that we will always benefit from His passing over. Also, Pesach comes from the same word as “pisei’ach” referring to someone who is unable to walk. May Hashem have mercy on all our injured soldiers and citizens.

Matzo

We had little time to bake our bread. Things happened in lightning fast chipazon as a sign of Hashem’s redemptive love. Sadly, this year on October 7^th and afterwards we have lived through chipazon of instability. On October 7^th thousands rushed into battle. Many never returned. We hope to restore the chipazon of redemption.

Marror

We have been eating bitter marror for months now. The dove sent by Noach returned with a bitter olive branch in its mouth from Israel claiming “ I would rather have bitter food from Israel and directly from Hashem  than sweet food not directly from Hashem.” Though it has been bitter we are living in the direct presence of Hashem.

B’khol dor vador

In every generation they rise against us and in every generation, we thank Him. We ask that He discharge us form darkness to radiance  מאפילה לאור גדול Sadly our hostages are trapped in darkness. So many people who have lost family members are living through darkness. May Hashem give us all His light.

Afikoman/Tzafun

Not everything is uncovered. Redemption remains hidden. Let us hope that Hashem reveals the end of history to us and we all live to see the final afikoman stages of our return to Israel and geula.

Kos shel Eliyahu haNavi -  אליהו הנביא

Eliyahu is tasked with affirming the pedigree and holiness of every Jew. Let’s not wait for Eliyahu but start his job before he arrives. Let us love and affirm every Jew who belongs to our large family. If we start the mission, Eliyahu may come to complete it.