Shalom Kitah Hey families,
Today was a busy day in the religious school!
We started class in the sanctuary with tefilah led by Cantor Ken. With Pesach around the corner, we belted out old and new Passover tunes to usher in the holiday.
During class, we had a very thought-provoking discussion in comparing the Passover Seder to the 4th of July celebration. We first took a look at a simplified version of the Declaration of Independence to refresh our memories on the Revolutionary War. Then, students engaged in critical thinking to respond to a packet of questions:
1. In the Haggadah, it says, "We were slaves in the land of Egypt and now we are free". Please explain this. How does it relate to the Declaration of Independence? Why was the Declaration of Independence written?
2. What are some of the symbols of freedom for Passover? What are some of the symbols of freedom for the 4th of July?
3. Which form of celebration does a better job of transmitting, from one generation to the next, the events that led to freedom? Why?
4. Imagine the Israelites wrote a "Declaration of Independence" to the Pharaoh. What would it say?
5. What do you think creates a more ideal society? Rights like those mentioned in the Declaration of Independence? Or responsibilities like those listed in the Ten Commandments?
6. Think about the foods represented on the Passover Seder plate. If you could add one more food to the Seder plate to symbolize our history (Jewish or American), what would it be and why would you put it there?
In response to question 3, one student explained that she felt the Passover Seder did a better job of transmitting the events that led to freedom because we retell the complete story of our history in bondage. This student also felt it was very powerful to use foods (in the Seder) to symbolize our history.
In response to question 6, one student explained that she would put a lobster on her Passover Seder plate because it shows that Jews of all observances can come together and celebrate what it important to them. This student felt the lobster could represent acceptance within the Jewish community.
I wish you all a Chag Sameach and a wonderful April Vacation!
Best,
Diana
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