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By Sara Solar
Have you ever really thought about the Passover story? I mean really thought about it. As in, what would you have done if you were living at that time?
Let’ s set the scene: Pharaoh has finally agreed to let the Israelites go, and you have to pack quickly and get out before he changes his mind – because we all know he’ s going to change his mind. Well, I don’ t know about you, but when I’ m gearing up for a big trip,“ quickly” is not a word that applies to me. A week at the beach means clothes, beach chairs, umbrellas, swimwear, games – and don’ t even get me started on snacks. And then there’ s all the stuff the dog needs because, of course, we’ re not leaving her behind!
I cannot imagine being an Israelite mom and finding out you have to up and leave immediately. We all know the proper snacks were not packed. The bread had no time to rise, and that’ s how matzah was born. And it’ s not like they tossed everything into the car and hit the road. They walked, carrying everything they owned. Do you think they heard,“ Are we there yet?” from the children? Because it’ s not a real journey until someone says those four words.
And remember that thing
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about Pharaoh changing his mind? Well, he did. So now the Israelites are fleeing while being chased – children, belongings, anxiety, all in tow. Then they reach the Red Sea. Pharaoh’ s army is right behind them, and Moses performs the miracle of splitting the sea. They walk through on dry land. While this is absolutely amazing, it also sounds absolutely terrifying. I cannot imagine herding myself and my children between towering walls of water. I picture crying, panic, and at least one child sitting down and refusing to move. But they did it. The waters crashed back down, and the Israelites were free.
Every year, we gather for a seder meal and read about baby Moses, the 10 plagues, and the escape to freedom. And every year, my mind is also on matzah ball soup, setting the table, the brisket, and whether I have enough Haggadahs for everyone. I fret about eating matzah for a week and cooking without leavening for seven full days.
But when I really stop and think about Passover – about what our ancestors went through – I realize I don’ t actually have that much to worry about. I am safe. I am free.
And maybe that’ s the point. We sit comfortably at our tables,
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complaining about crumbs and too many carbs, telling a story that began with panic, faith, and an impossible leap forward. We retell it not because it’ s easy, but because it reminds us that even when nothing is packed properly, the snacks are questionable, and the road ahead is terrifying – freedom is still worth walking toward. Even if you have to do it with matzah in your bag and kids asking if you’ re there yet.
To learn more about PJ Library, contact Sara Solar at sara. solar @ jewishcharlotte. org.
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1
P
14
17
20
A
W
S
33
E
37
43
W
E
54
O
63
67
70
S
E
M
2
A
3
4
D
5
R
6
A
7
M
8
9
A
10
I
11
S
12
L
13
E
28
T
48
18
55
F
56
A
57
19
58 59
L
60 B 61 Y 62
A
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