What makes this night different from all other such nights
that we celebrated the same way for millennia?
On all other such nights, we embraced the stranger, invited all to our table.
On this night, as we gather in our narrow places,
how can we not mourn the loss of our dear ones,
those in captivity, those gone,
those no longer our friends?
On all other such nights, we spoke only of our own affliction.
On this night, should we not remember all of G-d’s afflicted children?
On all other such nights, we feasted on rich food and wine without thought.
On this night, how could we fail to think of those without food,
and our imperative to feed them?
On all other such nights, we reclined to celebrate our freedom.
On this night, how can we sit back as free people
when not all people are free?
So many questions on this night,
so different from all other such nights.
Infinite Ein Sof,
open our hurting hearts and hard heads
so that we might find the answers within.
