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April 12, 2006
Passover 2006
"And it is this that has stood by our fathers and us; for not only one has risen up against us to destroy us, but in all ages they rise up against us to destroy us; and the Holy One, blessed be He, rescues us from their hands."
We recite this passage during Passover seder.
The question arises: What is the this that is referred to?
The "Artscroll Hagaddah" provides the simplest explanation:
That the covenant concluded with Abraham has always stood by the Jewish people. Even though enemies have risen against us in all ages--not just Pharaoh in Egypt--we can rely on G-d to stand by us.
What was the nature of the promise that G-d made to to Abraham?
That His Divine Presence would always be with us and help us against attacks, not just in Egypt but in all exiles.
That G-d's covenant with the Jewish people would never be superceded.
That our liberation from Egypt was an act in which we all still share today; therefore any latter-day oppressors must inevitably share the fate of Pharaoh.
Karen and I wish all our Seraphic readers a happy, kosher and meaningful Pesach.
***
I just received this from David Paulin, a self-described liberal mugged by reality. He has a new blog, Big Carnival, where he has written a beautiful article about Steven Vincent and I want to share it with you. I wrote about this fine journalist a few days ago. I want to emphasize that Steven Vincent was a great and courageous man. The world is greatly diminished with his loss. His torture and murder was not just a tragedy -- it was an atrocity.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at April 12, 2006 10:51 AM
Comments
Seraphic Secret is private property, that's right, it's an extension of our home, and as such, Karen and I have instituted two Seraphic Rules and we ask commentors to act respectfully.
1. No profanity.2. No Israel bashing. We debate, we discuss, we are respectful. You know what Israel bashing is. The world is full of it. Seraphic Secret is one of the few places in the world that will not tolerate this form of anti-Semitism. That's it. Break either of these rules and you will be banned.
Chag Sameach!
Posted by: Irina at April 12, 2006 11:42 AM
May more liberals be mugged by reality.
Hope all have a wonderful,
happy,
and
kosher
Pesach.
Posted by: Lance at April 12, 2006 11:50 AM
Irina:
May you have a happy, kosher and meaningful Pesach. Please know that we admire you enormously for standing up to that Islamofacist the other day.
Posted by: Robert Avrech at April 12, 2006 12:53 PM
Lance:
There are no more eloquent spokemen for the conservative world view than former liberals.
Wishing you and yours a Chag Kasher V'sameach.
Posted by: Robert Avrech at April 12, 2006 12:56 PM
Chag Kasher V'sameach to the entire Avrech clan, including the new SIL.
Posted by: Jack at April 12, 2006 01:21 PM
Jack:
Thanks so much and I'm sure the new SIL thanks you too. Chag kasher V'sameach to you and yours.
Posted by: Robert Avrech at April 12, 2006 02:28 PM
Thanks again for all the lessons.
Posted by: Jeremiah at April 12, 2006 05:26 PM
Jeremiah:
You're very welcome. And let us note that we have learned much from you. Have a lovely and meaningful Pesach.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at April 12, 2006 05:59 PM
Mr. Avrech: It's me again. I know you're still in the holiday. (It's one day for us here in Israel). I've been thinking about Meir Har-Tzion. I think it would be fantastic if a movie were made about him. I never heard of him before; but my husband told me he met him in 1970 when he was a tourist guide and Har-Tzion came to the site with some guests. Have you ever thought about writing a screenplay about him and trying to make a movie? It should be done soon as he's about 76 or 77, as are all those that served with him.
Posted by: Chaya at April 13, 2006 11:13 AM
Chaya:
I'd love to do a film about Har Tzion, but Hollywood would never bite. In case you haven't noticed Hollywood has no love for Israel.
Posted by: Robert Avrech at April 16, 2006 10:08 AM
Mr. Avrech: Please don't give up on the idea. If you have the will, you will find the way. How about producing it independently? I am sure there are people with money who would finance this - you just have to find them. I'm sure G-d will lead you to them!
Posted by: Chaya at April 17, 2006 06:26 AM
Chava:
I hate to sound like a realist, but obviously you have never worked in Hollywood.
Posted by: Robert Avrech at April 17, 2006 09:36 AM