We open the door for Elijah too late in our Passover Seder. According to the Haggadah, we invite the Prophet Elijah into our homes after the meal is over. This is too late! By the end of the seder meal, we’ve told the story of our exodus from Egypt, and all Elijah gets to enjoy is his cup of wine. The Prophet Elijah represents all who have been cast out, and we open the doors of our homes as a symbol that we would welcome anyone. The problem is that the food has been cleared, and the story is nearly over when we welcome newcomers inside.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to invite others to your seder.
I know that to invite others into your home for Seder can seem daunting. That’s why we created a service at TE to connect congregants with other members looking to host or be hosted. We want to be your matchmaker and connect hosts with guests and guests with hosts.
If you want to host others or be hosted for seder, fill out your seder “profile” below so we can match you with others in our congregation. This service is reserved solely for Temple Emanu-El members.
Host Form
Guest Form
Open your door to others this Seder. No one should seder alone.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Max