It's the first night of Passover. Where's the wine?
By Gregory Jacobs-Roseman (composer-lyricst)
It’s erev Pesach, everyone. That means many of you will be sitting down to Seder dinners tonight, as will I. I’m an extremely secular Jew – a self-described agnostic. But there’s something about the Passover Seder – something that runs deep within me – something that connects me to my now deceased grandfather that I find comforting to perform annually.
It’s less about religion and more about identity for me. I consider myself a humanistic Jew – one who values the culture, food, music, etc., but doesn’t really buy into the religious aspect or belief in God. Growing up, my grandfather loved to run Seder dinner. It was very strict and very by-the-book. Something about repeating that tradition keeps my childhood memories alive.
So tonight I will dine on brisket and matzo ball soup (not gefitle fish – ew). Tonight I will say the payers and drink the wine (duh) but out of tradition, not religious faith. The Haggadah I use (it's the Taglit-birthright Haggadah -- couldn't find an online copy, though I'm sure one exists somewhere) includes Maya Angelou poems and Lou Reed lyrics and an entire passage on Billie Holiday singing “Strange Fruit.” It’s more about community than anything else, and I am looking forward to it.
So whether you are Jewish or not, a chag kasher v'sameach to everyone. I hope this season of spring holidays brings you close to your loved ones.
Sally Wilfert performs "Passover" by William Finn.
GREGORY JACOBS-ROSEMAN is a composer/lyricist and theatrical sound designer. His musical Save The Date: A Wedding Road-Trip Musical won the Overall Excellence Award for a Musical in the 2013 New York International Fringe Festival. gregjr.com
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