A New Song by Rabbi Boruch M. Boudilovsky The three pilgrim festivals are each celebrated with joy and song. On Pesach, however, our song is new. Unlike a traditional and seasonal song lovingly and nostalgically sung annually, the song of Pesach is a new and fresh one. Indeed, already when celebrating their redemption on the shores of the Red Sea, our ancestors sang a new song, ‘Shira Chadasha Shibchu Geulim’’, ‘With a new song, the redeemed people praised’. Ever since, every year on Seder night we too sing a new song. ונאמר לפניו שירה חדשה ()הגדה של פסח Therefore, let us recite a new song before Him. (Passover Haggada) ונודה לך שיר חדש על גאלתנו ועל פדות נפשנו ()הגדה של פסח Then we shall thank You with a new song for our redemption and for the deliverance of our souls. (Passover Haggada) What can be so new about an ancient text annually recited/sung recurringly? Clearly, it is not the familiar words which are new, but rather how we experience them. Unlike Chanukah, for instance, when we sing and praise to mark
a historical miraculous time, on Seder night our celebration exceeds the confines of history. On one night we simultaneously celebrate a great historical event, a currently unfolding miraculous wonder, and a future promising redemption. Contained within the ancient story of the Exodus, the seeds of all future hopes, aspirations, and redemptions are planted. On Pesach, we draw confidence in a better future from the story of the past. Inspired by the marvels of history and the possibilities of the future, we celebrate the present as well. Responding to the fears and dreams of each particular generation, each Seder night becomes a new and distinctive redemptive experience inspiring a new celebratory song never sang before. This year, our own generational exodus is palpable. We are exiting a pandemic which has aggressively weakened us by bereavement, isolation, loneliness, and divisiveness. With hopes for better times ahead, and with gratitude to
our incredible medical professionals, this year we will sing a new song celebrating our lives, health, upcoming reunions, and all the blessings bestowed upon us by the redeemer of Israel. Thank you to the editorial team for all their hard work, time, and effort. Their dedication and professionalism is evident by the quality of this issue. Finally, on behalf of Esther myself and our children, I wish you and your families a Chag Kasher VeSameach. A
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