In the early warmth of spring, and the promise of new beginnings, we gather around the Pesach table, embraced by our tradition and the enduring resilience of our people. As we recount the ancient story of our liberation from slavery in Egypt, we are reminded not only of our past struggles but also of our timeless spirit in the face of adversity.

The Haggadah resonates with wisdom, offering us guidance and inspiration on our journey through the ages. The Haggadah serves not only as the narrative of our liberation from bondage in Egypt, it is also a reminder of the amazing resilience and strength of the Jewish people, no matter the challenge.

In the Haggadah, we find the evidence of our collective resilience, as described in the Ma Nishtana – the Four Questions. "Why is this night different from all other nights?" Through these questions we acknowledge the uniqueness of our experience as a people. In asking these questions, we affirm our commitment to understanding our history, our identity, and how we fit in, even as we grapple with the uncertainties of the present.

As we read the Haggadah, we encounter the recurring theme of redemption – a theme that continues to resonate deeply with our own present day struggles against oppression and hatred. Each year we recite "In every generation, they rise against us to destroy us," recognizing the dark staying-power of hatred and anti-Semitism throughout history. Just this past weekend we saw another such example with the unprecedented attack from Iran on our people and land in Israel. Yet, we also affirm our eternal belief in redemption, proclaiming, "But the Holy One, blessed be He, rescues us from their hands." 

The story of the Exodus, retold in every generation, serves as a powerful reminder of our collective capacity for resilience and renewal. "In every generation, a person must regard himself as though he personally had gone out of Egypt," emphasizing our connection to the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors. Just as they emerged from the chains of bondage into freedom, so too do we draw strength from their example as we confront the real challenges of our own time. The Haggadah is telling us in our times - Let us not despair - we have been here before, and again we will be triumphant!

Pesach and the Pesach Seder remind us that the Jewish journey throughout history has been marked by trials and tribulations, yet through it all, we have demonstrated unparalleled strength and perseverance. From the ashes of persecution, unspeakable, real genocide and the depths of despair, we have risen time and time again, fueled by a determination to survive and thrive against all odds.

Despite the rise of anti-Semitism and the relentless hatred directed towards us and Israel, we once again must refuse to be intimidated or silenced. Like our ancestors who wandered through the desert in search of freedom, we stand together with unwavering resolve to preserve our freedom and our rights to Israel and to live freely as Jews in Israel, the United States and anywhere Jews reside. We do it with pride and hope. 

In every generation, there are those who seek to oppress, silence and persecute us, but we always refuse to be defined by their hatred. Today is no different. In spite of the anti-Semitism that surrounds us and the irrational hatred towards Israel and Jews, we continue to choose to define ourselves by our values, our traditions, and our unwavering belief in the inherent dignity of every human being. More than ever it is up to us to stand proud to be counted among the Jewish people.