Michelle and I send our best wishes to
everyone celebrating Pesach in the United States, in the State of Israel, and
around the world.
One of Passover’s most powerful rituals
is its tradition of storytelling – millions of Jewish families, friends, and
even strangers sitting together and sharing the inspirational tale of the
Exodus. Led by a prophet and chased by an army, sustained by a faith in
God and rewarded with deliverance, the Israelites’ journey from bondage to the
Promised Land remains one of history’s greatest examples of emancipation.
This story of redemption and hope, told and retold over thousands of
years, has comforted countless Jewish families during times of oppression,
echoing in rallying cries for civil rights around the world.
Mah nishtana halailah hazeh?
For
Michelle and me, this Passover is different from all other Passovers because it
will mark our last Seder in the White House – a tradition we have looked
forward to each year since hosting the first-ever White House Seder in 2009.
We will join millions around the world to celebrate redemption at God’s
mighty hand and pray for those who still are denied their freedom. We dip
the greens of renewal in saltwater to recall the tears of those imprisoned
unjustly. As we count the 10 Plagues, we spill wine from our glasses to
remember those who suffered and those who still do. And as we humbly sing
“Dayenu,” we are mindful that even the smallest blessings and slowest progress
deserve our gratitude.
Passover gives us all a special
opportunity to renew our belief in things unseen even as the future remains
uncertain. May this season inspire us all to
rededicate ourselves to peace and freedom for all of God’s children. From
our family to yours, chag sameach.
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