MENTAL HEALTH PASSOVER SEDER COMPANION Experience Freedom of the Mind, Body and Soul
PASSOVER AND MENTAL HEALTH Passover is a time to focus on our collective story, but it can also be a time for us to explore our own. On Passover, we remember our freedom from the physical bondage of Egypt, but without acknowledging the mental bondage many of us are still trapped in we will never truly be free. That is why we built these resources, to help individuals utilize the themes and motifs of Passover traditions to examine their internal stories of slavery and experience an Exodus like no other.
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PASSOVER AND MENTAL HEALTH Sharing food is the first act through which slaves become free human beings. One who fears tomorrow does not offer his bread to others. But one who is willing to divide his food with a stranger has already shown himself capable of fellowship and faith, the two things from which hope is born. That is why we begin the seder by inviting others to join us. That is how we turn affliction into freedom. — Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l
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THE FOUR MENTAL HEALTH CHILDREN OF THE SEDER It is customary in the Jewish tradition to bless our children, and in the spirit of this ritual, we have created a prayer with the four children in mind. We offer it to you with wishes for a chag Pesach sameach.
Blessed are you, Holy Source of Wisdom, bless us so we may know, understand and accept our inner child. Guide us as we ask the questions to better understand ourselves and our world as we try to make sense of our emotions. Guide us as we try to find our place in a caring community, even when we resist those who want to help. Guide us to find the safe and brave spaces filled with people who can show us empathy. Guide us as we learn the language we need from those who model vulnerability. Blessed are you, Holy Source of Love, bless us so we may know, understand and accept the children among us. Help us to notice the message behind the questions others may ask, ensuring each person gets the help they need. Help us to create shame-free and stigma-free environments for each other, developing a culture of understanding. Help us to approach others with empathy so they can feel safe. Help us to offer support to those who may not know what they need. May we each approach our inner child with curiosity and insight. May we each be compassionate toward our inner child from moment to moment. And may we each learn what we need from the inner child of those around us. Amen.
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YOUR 10 MENTAL HEALTH PLAGUES When we remember the plagues of Egypt on the Seder night, we are remembering the miraculous things that God did for us in Egypt. However, for some of us there are things plaguing our own lives that feel far worse, and as much as we spend Passover talking about the plagues of Egypt, we should also talk about the mental health plagues of today. As you recite the traditional 10 plagues in your Haggadah, consider adding any of the following to your list:
Fear | Trauma/Stressor-Related Symptoms | Substance Abuse | Burnout | Self-judgment | Isolation/loneliness | Suicidal ideation | Bereavement/Grief | Imposter Syndrome | Anxiety and depression
Fear Being in a constant state of fear (fight-or-flight) affects our body’s processes, e.g., digestion, blood pressure, body temperature (byjus.com). Our body functions best when we are not on edge.
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The Exodus from Egypt Occurs in Every Human Being, in Every Era, in Every Year, and in Every Day. – Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
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