Why is this Pesach different from all of other Pesachs?
On all other Pesachs, we follow the regular Hagada service, reclining, reading, singing, eating and drinking. On this Pesach, 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 Pesach, tourists fly in and out of Israel and celebrate in the lap of luxury. On this Pesach, 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 Pesach, the Kotel is packed throughout the holiday and especially for the Birkat Kohanim service. On this Pesach, 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 Pesach, our homes are clean and sparkling and we gather to celebrate together. On this Pesach, over 4000 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 a temporary residence.
On all other Pesachs we wait for Eliyahu HaNavi to stop by for a visit. On this Pesach, 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 Pesachs we travel the country and visit beaches and nature reserves. On this Pesach, we have to stay close to home in case there is a siren.
On all other Pesachs, Jews from around the world take the State of Israel for granted. On this Pesach, 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!
