That is a lovely story. To me the "Ha Lachma Anya" (this is the bread of our affliction), part of the Haggadah is always the most touching. It emotes a level of humility that is becoming more and more rare in our secular and even religious communities.

Here are my two favorite family stories to tell after we read that Aramaic section:

First, the "bread of our affliction" is important because it reminds us that Matzo was like "C" rations... poor people's food... not just the food we had to eat in a hurry. My grandfather had an up and down business career, but when he was very successful he once went to a dinner party with his partner and his wife and proceeded to tell the other guests about how poor they all were and how they drove a 3rd hand car, etc. My grandfather was proud, but knew where he came from. But his partner and his wife were furious; how DARE he bring up their modest past in front of their friends! We Jews in America may be doing well now, but we can't forget our humble beginnings.

Second, remember that the Ha Lach Ma Anya also includes the invitation from the hosts of the Seder to come join in the feast and the learnings. It is a statement of warmth and happiness in a way. My cousins had a very intelligent son who died of a brain tumor in his early 30's. He was so kind and smart. His parents were observant Jews and even though he died not long before Passover that particular year, they of course held a Seder as always. When it was time to say the Ha Lachma Anya, they both literally needed to lean on each other to stand and read the passage in Aramaic and then in the English. It was not a staged moment. They needed to lean on each other to keep from collapsing, and in so doing they showed their grief but also their sense of duty and graciousness at the same time.

Chag kosher v'sameach to the Seraphs and all the little cherubim!

Jake:

Lovely divrei Torah, thanks so much.

Kishke:

Thanks so much. Same to you and all the kind Kishkes.

I don't know, it feels a bit intrusive to post in regards to this, not being Jewish myself, but as a Christian supportive of the persecuted state of Israel, I'd like to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you all, if they're not unwelcome.

Happy Passover to you and yours. I am not Jewish but I am a loyal and faithful supporter of Israel.Like Hospitaller, you are always in my prayers. Enjoy the weekend.
It's good to be back home to be able to read my favorite blogs. Though spending time at my old stomping grounds like Farmers Market,The Grove, Santa Monica Pier was worth a few days away. Enjoy the weekend.

Hi Robert -

What I love about this story is that on one level, it is sweet and humorous. I couldn't help but laugh when I read what your friend's father said.

But on another level, it shows a man who has his mind not on himself and the immediate (which would be completely understandable and expected given his circumstances) but on what matters for now and forever. He must have been a special man.

Deana

Chag Kasher V'sameach to all of the Avrechs.

Hospitaller:

Not intrusive at all. In fact, Seraphic Secret welcomes support from our Christian friends. We have often said that we have more in common with our conservative Christian friends who support Israel and our conservative values than with arch leftist Jews who would turn Israel over to Jihadists in the blink of an eye and whose values are repugnant to us.

Tamster:

Thanks so much for the gracious Passover wishes. We're having a wonderful time with our girls and our new granddaughter Maayan Ariel.

We'll be cruising The Grove too, especially The Apple store, my home away from home.

Deana:

So glad you enjoyed our story. Our friend is a very special man, and a highly respected physician. We're sure that his father was quite amazing.

Thanks so much for writing.

Happy and kosher Passover.

Hope you are having a fantastic holiday and that Maayan is enjoying her first Pesach. :)

Let me join Hospitaller and Tamster as a Gentile who wishes the Jewish people well. May you and yours have a meaningful and memorable Passover.

Gila:

Maayan Ariel really enjoyed her first two seders. Before too long she'll be reciting the Four Questions.

Wishing you a Chag Kasher V'sameach.

Kent:

Good to hear from you. It's been far too long. Thanks so much for the Passover greeting. Hope all is well with you and yours.

Jack:

Chag Kasher V'sameach to all the, er, Jacks.

Robert,

Things are mostly going well. I check in here regularly, but I just haven't had anything to add to the discussions of the tomfoolery committed by various anti-Semites and their useful idiots. "Useful idiots" being an alternate spelling of "Jimmy Carter."