Yes, it is that time of year again. Something we look forward to during the short days of winter. It is precisely the anticipation of spring that awakens the soul and gives us the realization that we made it through another winter to enjoy the fruits of spring and summer. But it’s more than that.

As we face the wrath of this coronavirus we should take heed to our learning and be blessed to have the Torah and Hashem on our side. This year is different than all the others, much like “…this night is different than all other nights.”

The anticipation of Passover begins as we read the Torah portions that truly demonstrate the anticipation Jews enjoyed as they prepared the Mishkan and the Jewish people for what was surely a celebration of celebrations. Hearts filled with love, joy, and thankfulness to Hashem and each other not just for survival, but for the hope of a full life with promises made and promises fulfilled.

Give some thought to how Jews felt during the first Pesach and embrace the sensations we are feeling right now. This is an opportunity for us to feel Passover this year and think about the Haggadah and it’s stories and lessons so that we pray to Hashem that He protects us, forgives us, and bring our family units together in ways we may have forgotten were possible. Look for the goodness in your life, help each other, and reach out in proper ways to family and friends to offer them your love and compassion.

Passover ushers in a time when trees bud, birds chirp, bees buzz, and Israel starts to turn green. Imagine being in the arid lands, the rainy season, everything brown and damp as you anticipate the light of spring coming. Surely it would elevate your spirits and your energy to be ready to share in this time by preparing yourself and your family. This is part of the tradition of Passover.

While it is true we give thanks to Hashem for passing over us while were slaves in Egypt and leading us into the desert into freedom, remember there was nearly a generation that wandered the desert to find the promised land. All the while finding ways to fill their hearts with the anticipation of a better life, a life with G-d, family, and freedom. It certainly was not easy or without serious challenges, but we are here now and that means they were able to endure all that affected their life, their dreams, and hopes for a better life.

We may look at Passover differently these days, but it is worth considering the thoughts of our ancestors as they prepared initially for their journey to freedom during this time, only to find out days, weeks, and years later that it was truly a journey for a generation. A journey filled with all that life presents us – challenges, celebrations, and the guiding light to direct our lives to an everlasting peace within us.

As we read and discuss the story of the Exodus, the salvation from Egyptian slavery, and the coming together of the Jewish leaders we celebrate even today, give our children a better understanding of the true make-up of the Jewish people as a people. Give our children a sense of who they are, where they came from, and what their ancestors have overcome. Doing so will empower them to respect their heritage and feel the confidence that comes when you know you cannot fail if you don’t give up. You cannot be defeated if you fight for what is right. Mostly, we cannot fail if we are true to ourselves and to Hashem. We cannot fail if we teach our children who we are, who they are, and who we came from.

Being a Zayde reminds me that I have so much to share and give to my children and grandchildren that I pray for many Passover nights of sitting around the dinner table with family and friends while sharing our story in ways to engage each other. Anticipating Passover, anticipating the spring season, and the life that flows should rejuvenate our spirit and our love for each other.

Happy Passover,
Vito Simone

Vito Simone is a local resident, contractor, and a Zayde to Zev and Leo. Please send comments or ideas to [email protected].