One that gave the pilgrims courage to leave the tyranny of King George, to chance the bitter wilderness of the Atlantic Ocean, hoping for the promised land that they would call America. One that provided a ray of light for the African-American slaves through the horrors of slavery, for, they thought, ‘if God was present for the Israelite slaves in the bible, God is there for us as well.’ It was this sliver of faith that kept hope alive. One that has been the cornerstone of faith for countless people who have struggled through depression, addiction, and abuse. It is the story that transcends entertainment into the profound, and into the sublime. And each year, we Jews begin telling our story with a brisket, some matza, and cheap red wine. Where else but around our dinner table (extended through the living room, with mismatched place settings) could we possibly extend memory from our parents and grandparents back to our exodus from Egypt, while at the same time creating … [Read more...]