This past Shabbat we started a new Jewish month, the month of Nissan. In the Book of Exodus this is called the month of Spring, Hodesh HaAviv. Springtime is a time for renewal, for new beginnings. Passover is also known as the Holiday of Spring, Hag HaAviv. For the ancient Israelites the exit out of Egypt was a time to experience a new paradigm, living in freedom after generations of slavery. We, their heirs, have the holiday of Passover to remind us that this time of the year holds in it the seeds of possibility.
Spring is a time of transition from the lifelessness of winter to the fullness of life in the summer. We breathe in the fresh air, the new and the different, and breathe out our sorrows and complicated past. While leaves are turning over in nature, we know this is an opportunity to change the story of our lives. Spring is a time to be playful and hopeful, to let go of the dreary and dark moments of the past, focusing on the joy and possibilities of the future.
The generation that left Egypt struggled to make the most out of their new life. Many times in the Torah our ancestors chose poorly, longing to go back to Egypt, pining for experiences that they knew did not reflect their past reality. Fearful of change and of every new thing they encountered, the generation that left Egypt worshiped a golden calf, complained constantly, had a defeatist view of their future, and showed little faith in their human leaders and in God.
Hundreds of generations and historical ups and downs later, we come to this time of year, the time in which we prepare for the Passover holiday. One of the symbols we put in our seder plate is a roasted egg. The egg’s shape (the oval that cannot stand, always rolling) reminds us that life is marked by moments when we are up, as well as the inevitable moments when we are down. The egg is a symbol of the volatility of our lives, and this time of preparation for the holiday helps us ready our hearts so we can face difficulties with equanimity and make better choices.
Passover is an opportunity for renewal, for us to feel the possibilities of spring in your lives, to have the certainty that in every step of our journey we will see new ways and possibilities, new beginnings, new opportunities for renewing our commitment to being a full participant in mending the fabric of our society. Passover is a time for us to use the past as a teacher and not the determiner of our future. We are forging new paths, striding with confidence on the path of renewal.
Passover is an opportunity for us to check if we are worshiping false idols, discerning truth from lies.
It is also an opportunity to hope and have faith in our future, believing that our efforts to protect the earth and our democracy will not be in vain. Passover, the Holiday of Spring, is a reminder that we, as a community and as individuals, can always choose growth, choose to strengthen our partnerships and honor our commitments, choose optimism and a vision of our tradition as a source of joy for us throughout our lives.