CANTOR’S CORNER

Cantor Eyal Bitton shares a few thoughts on prayer and the parasha of the week.

2023-04-05 Shabbat HaGadol

The story of Passover is a powerful reminder of the Jewish people’s journey from slavery to freedom, culminating in their arrival in the land of Israel. It’s a tale of resilience, faith, and perseverance in the face of great adversity.

Unfortunately, there are still those who seek to deny the Jewish people’s right to their ancestral homeland. They claim that Jews are not truly indigenous to the land of Israel, using slogans like “Zionism is Racism” and claiming Israel is the result of “Settler colonialism”. These dangerous and misguided perspectives attempt to erase the rich history and culture of the Jewish people in the land of Israel.

In the Passover Haggadah, we read “Ha Lachma Anya” (This is the Bread of Affliction), which speaks of the Jews’ connection to the land of Israel and our history of oppression and liberation. The song “Dayenu” (It Would Have Been Enough), sung during the Seder, expresses gratitude for each step of the Exodus story, culminating in the Jews’ arrival in the land of Israel.

As we celebrate Passover and reflect on our journey as a people, we must remember the many historical and cultural ties that bind us to the land of Israel. For thousands of years, Jews have lived and thrived in Israel, building vibrant communities and contributing to the growth and development of the land. Israel is not just a modern-day nation-state, but a central part of our collective identity as Jews.

It’s critical that we address the recent attempts to delegitimize Israel and deny the Jewish people’s right to self-determination. This is a form of prejudice and discrimination that must be challenged with strength and conviction. We cannot allow others to erase our connection to Israel and deny us our rightful place in the world.

As we reaffirm our connection to Israel and our commitment to its future, we can ensure that our people continue to thrive and flourish for generations to come. This Passover, let us reflect on the importance of defending our indigenous connection to Israel and the many historical and cultural ties that bind us to the land. Let us draw strength from our ancestors’ resilience and faith, and work towards a future of freedom, justice, and prosperity for all.