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Local rabbi speaks to traditions celebrated at Passover O ne of the most celebrated Jewish holidays arrives just as springtime finally arrives -- Passover. While Mother Nature seemed to take her time with a few snowy days in April, this worked well for the Jewish community, which doesn't officially welcome spring this year until Friday (April 22), which is the first night of Passover. On that night, Jewish families around the world gather to celebrate with the traditional Seder. We gather to share the story of our people, that we were slaves in Egypt and God heard our cry and, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, took us from slavery and brought us to freedom. At the Seder, we eat special foods symbolic of slavery and freedom, celebrate with four cups of wine to remember our redemption and sing songs of praise to God. In one particularly wonderful part of this ordered meal, using our Haggadah (which means "the telling") we let the children come forward and ask the question -- "What makes this night different from all other nights?" We eat unleavened bread, we eat bitter herbs, we recline and relax, and we dip our foods many times -- how come? My View 11 | Friday, April 22, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Rabbi Stephen Wise Shaarei-Beth El Congregation of Halton slaves today. Where is there injustice? Who is seeking freedom? How can we help those who suffer to overcome oppression? Whether it's the needy in our communities -- the Halton Poverty Roundtable has done excellent work reminding us there is food inequality right here in our region -- or the suffering in other countries of our world -- especially the refugee crisis in Syria -- it is up to us to think about these issues of the day and consider our role in tikkun olam (fixing the world) and making it a better place for all. That is the message of Passover, the redemption of our people centuries ago, and the ongoing revelation where there is injustice today, we must stand up and fight against it -- for our ancestors, for our fellow human beings, and for our God. -- submitted by Rabbi Stephen Wise, Shaarei-Beth El Congregation of Halton From a pedagogic perspective it makes sense to include our children in this event and through their questions we can begin the story and celebration. Moreover, it helps everyone, adults and children alike, because it allows for give and take, for asking questions and posing problems. This is what it means to be Jewish, to delve into our customs and rituals, to challenge and explore, to argue and tease out answers and engage in both our ancient texts and modern issues that can arise from it. When we discuss our history as slaves in Egypt, we are reminded each one of us should think of ourselves as having been freed from slavery. This engages each Jew, as a participant in our people's story. But, we also are forced to consider who are Top Rated Tire & Auto Shop By Yellow Pages NEW MILLENIUM TIRE & AUTO CENTRE OAkvIllE MANUfACTUREs REbATEs hAvE sTARTEd! (MOsT brands On sale) $70 ViSA PREPAid CARd $50 REBATE (some conditions apply) $40 REBATE $80 iN REBATES ChOsen One Of Oakville's bEsT AUTO sERvICE CENTREs ANd TIRE shOp $65 PREPAid MASTER CARd UP TO $100 iN REBATES UP TO Alignment Special* 10% OFF *Some additional charges apply to complex adjustments $70 MAiL iN REBATE Family owned and operated. We're committed to providing you with the highest level of service, so you'll always choose us for your maintenance and repair needs. 670 Fourth line, Unit 20, Oakville | 905-845-0770 | www.nmtoakville.ca · · · · · · · · Our team of kitchen designers and consultants will guide you through every phase of your renovation process. Free initial design consultation Comprehensive needs analysis Budget development Professional site inspection and field measurements Product selection consultation Design Development with 3D renderings if needed Design review and revision, Itemized project costing Voted Best 3 years in a row! Oakville Kitchen Designers 609 Ford Drive, Oakville | 905.337.2229 Email: john@oakvillekitchendesigners.com www.oakvillekitchendesigners.ca ShOwrOOm hOurS: Located on the north east corner of Cornwall & Ford Drive. Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Evenings available by appointment. Saturday 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.