Why is this Passover in Israel different from all other years?
Why is this Passover different from all of other Passovers?
On all other Passovers, we follow the regular Haggada service, reclining, reading, singing, eating and drinking. On this Passover, we have alternate instructions to follow in case our Seder is interrupted or cut short by sirens alerting us that an incoming missile is headed our way and we need to go into a sealed room or bomb shelter.
On a regular Passover, tourists fly in and out of Israel and celebrate in the lap of luxury. On this Passover, very few tourists will be able to get in to Israel and there are still Israelis who are stranded abroad who are waiting to come home.
On a regular Passovers, the Western Wall (Kotel) is packed throughout the holiday and especially for the Birkat Kohanim/Priestly Blessing service. On this Passover, the Kotel will be closed, as it is not safe to have large groups congregating when at any time they may need to run for cover.
On a regular Passover, our homes are clean and sparkling and we gather to celebrate together. On this Passover, over 4,000 Israelis from cities such as Tel Aviv, Petach Tikva, Arad, Beit Shemesh, Dimona and Be’er Sheva who lost their homes will be spending the holiday in temporary residences.
On all other Passovers we wait for Elijah the Prophet to stop by for a visit. On this Passover, we wait for loved ones to receive last-minute leave from the army in order to spend the holiday with their families.
On all other Passovers we travel the country and visit beaches and nature reserves. On this Passover, we have to stay close to home in case there is a siren.
On all other Passovers, Jews from around the world are able to take the State of Israel for granted. On this Passover, we must remind ourselves how lucky we are to have our own state and our own army to protect us from our enemies.
May we hear good news!
