Rabbi Knopf's Blog

The Talmud teaches that 30 days before Passover, we should start learning about the festival and its meaning. In that spirit, I offer a brief message each day leading up to Passover, drawn from the wisdom of the holiday and the Exodus story. Feel free to share/forward.  -Rabbi Knopf

Day 23: A Holy Calling
The Seder (Passover’s ritual meal) begins with “Kadesh,” sanctifying the day over wine. During this rite, we call Passover a “Holy Calling.” Why? According to Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav, it is because the Exodus revealed God to Egyptian and Hebrew alike. The holiday thus “calls” out, “God is one! Nothing is profane! Everything is holy!” Passover reveals our world’s reality: all is One, God is everything, and everything is God. You stand on holy ground. Everything around you – and everyone you meet – is a piece of the Divine. Walk with reverence, engage with love