Q&A: A Question About the Passover Haggadah
A Question About the Passover Haggadah
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I’d be glad to know whether you have some explanation for the central text in the Passover Haggadah: “In every generation they rise up against us to destroy us, and the Holy One, blessed be He, saves us from their hand.” When exactly did that happen? We were never saved from anything; always, always led like sheep to the slaughter. And in general, in my opinion at the time this text was written things were much worse than they are now, so what does it mean when it says this?
This question troubles me מאוד and makes reading the Haggadah difficult for me. I’d appreciate help.
Thank you very much
Answer
Greetings.
First, this can be read as part of our experience as those who went out from Egypt. The Holy One, blessed be He, saved them, and we are obligated to see ourselves as if we ourselves had gone out from Egypt.
Second, the fact is that we are here. That is, He really does save us all the time. True, not the individuals (they died in huge numbers) but the Jewish collective. It survives despite all the persecutions. Indeed there are quite a few dead, but the thanksgiving is for the collective survival.
And third, if the situation now is much better, then what is the problem? Aren’t you alive now? Thank the Holy One, blessed be He, for your current situation.
Have a kosher and happy holiday.