Dayenu

Why is matzah flat? 

The shortest, most technical answer is that the Israelites left in a hurry and the dough didn't have time to rise. Well, amidst the haste of cleaning for Passover and cooking for seder, the same is true of this Friday email. 

Yet as I was rushing to get my seder plate set, I realized, Dayenu, it is time to wish you all a Happy Passover. And to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who gives so much time and love to sustain and grow our community. It is an honor to serve you all and to be building a community through which we have the opportunity to experience interdependence, joy and liberation. In this world, it is truly sacred. And a special thank you to everyone who took a risk and reached out to attend and host community members for seders. 

Rabbi Ron Aigen, z"l, writes in the Wellsprings of Freedom Haggadah, "Gratitude, as we learn from Dayyenu, is a practice that instills an inner freedom. When we learn to say "we have enough," when we take a moment to be satisfied with what we already have, we are released from the oppressive demands of needing the next thing" (85). 

As the evening approaches, I wish you all a moment to sit back and inhale deeply; To express deep gratitude; And to feel the liberation that is possible when we say to ourselves and to each other, Dayenu. 

Shabbat Shalom and a Zisn Pesach, towards a sweet Passover!
Rabbi Ari Lev