Seder night is a big deal and many dress their finest for the occasion. However, Jewish law is not particular about the Seder dress code. So long as you participate, eat the right amount of Matzah and Marror, drink four cups of wine and retell the story of Exodus – you’re a Passover pro.
The first Seder in history was different. On the eve of the redemption from Egypt the Israelites were commanded to slaughter a lamb, place it blood on the lintel and doorposts of their homes and to eat a roasted piece of the meat together with Matzah and bitter herbs. Additionally, G-d specified how they should dress at this meal: “And this is how you shall eat it: with your waist belted, your shoes on your feet, your staff in your hand, and you shall eat it in haste…”
On the surface, this instruction is simply a practical way of ensuring that they be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. But this is a description of the creation of our nation, recorded in the Torah which serves as a guidebook for eternity. Every detail contains layers of meaning that inform us today how to live a wholesome Jewish life.
A belt is used to organize our clothing - wrapped around the waist which supports the entire body. The first priority is to be organized in your own Judaism. Ensure that you are confident and informed on how a Jew should live and observe Judaism. Balance and cohesion are central to healthy Jewish living.
Shoes allow us to interact with our immediate surroundings without injuring ourselves from the assorted hazards that abound on the ground. Judaism should not be reserved to the privacy of our homes or the religious comfort of the synagogue. Torah lessons and prayer inspiration must be the filter through which we interact with society.
Although the secular world seems hostile to Jewish ideals, by influencing friends, coworkers and neighbors to live a more ethical and moral life inspired by Torah lessons we are less susceptible to being distracted from our own religious commitment. We become an inspiration to others and garner genuine respect and acceptance.
Finally, on a long journey over treacherous terrain, a walking stick becomes essential and enables us to reach places we cannot on our own. Our Jewish imprint must be global, inspiring people we may never meet in a lifetime. Every individual is capable of this and modern technology makes this task more achievable than ever.
Use your social media presence to broadcast Jewish messages. You never know who is reading your post about the latest Torah lesson you learned or viewing the photo of you doing a mitzvah – and its effect can be greater than your wildest imaginations.
These are the components of Jewish freedom: Strengthen your personal observance, inspire your immediate surroundings and take your message to the world.
Suit up quickly because redemption is at hand.