Don’t pass-over the struggle of the Israelites in the Passover story.
Don’t pass-over the call to see ourselves as if we were slaves in Egypt.
Don’t pass-over the moments begging for questions and discussion.
Don’t pass-over the hungry in our midst. They’re the ones hoping that their favorite soup will be on the shelf this week when they stop by the pantry.
Don’t pass-over the widow seeking connection. She’s the one sitting off to the side. Her face is a little melancholy. She doesn’t light up when the table sings Dayeinu this year.
Don’t pass-over the orphan longing for more time with loved ones. He’s a father of his own now, but he has now celebrated a decade without his parents at the seder table.
Above all else, don’t pass-over seeing the humanity in our neighbor, even when our instinct is to fear them.
Do pass-over the urge to rush the seder just to get to the meal.
Do pass-over the beeps and buzzes of your devices and leave them in another room.
Do pass-over the desire to make the seder everything for everybody the whole time.
Don’t pass-over the holiday this year, Do Passover.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Rachael