Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS
Are you able to read this under there? Did you find a long-lost flashlight? Have you come up for air since Purim? Are you cleaning nooks and crannies you didn’t even know you had?
How about this – Are you planning menus, cleaning fridges, rearranging cabinets, washing kitchen drawers, food shopping food shopping, maybe even food shipping? Is that that your pre- Passover nightmare?
Or are you one of the lucky ones who is out shopping for clothing. Actually, I’d say that’s another pre- Passover nightmare. The going away might sound easier but getting the outfits can finish you off!
One thing you can say for sure, Passover never just sneaks up on us, like some other holidays. It certainly lets you know it’s on its way. It keeps you busy and focused with the prep!
And I think that’s the point. Like we read Passover night in the Haggadah – The more you tell about the exodus the more you are praised. Why? Because that helps you realize how much Gd did and does for us. And helps us register gratitude for our freedom even more.
Preparing gets us ready for Gd to save us.
Think about it. The people going away. It’s like you are experiencing the exodus all over again. Leaving what you know, dependent on a godly caterer for your manna, sleeping in a strange new place. Many are even going to desert locations. Yes, the accommodations should be better, but you’re on your own without a Shepard to take care of you. If the program you’re on is a flop, you are stuck! No one but you is providing the “two tablets” to take away the heart burn or headache!
Now the people staying home you’re probably having your own Exodus-like experience too. You’re getting pretty familiar with back breaking work, day in and day out. You’re certainly in need of some relief. Ready, for Gd to swoop down and save you.
The whole thing is all about being ready for a relationship with Gd. We can always use god’s help. But hardly more than when we are flying, or somewhere where we are dependent on others. Or in the alternative, when our burdens are great. And very little seems harder than the scrubbing, cooking, and schlepping we do for Passover.
So, what am I saying? Embrace the preparation for Passover, even the challenges of a vacation. It’s part of what helps us appreciate our own lives, homes, beds etc. all the rest of the year round.
Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com<mailto:rivki@rosenwalds.com