As Passover and Easter usher in spring we, too, have the opportunity to shepherd new life into our world.
Jewish tradition teaches that each of us should consider ourselves as one of the slaves who was delivered from Egypt. Much of the Seder ritual meal and the Haggadah (guide book for the retelling of the story) emphasize this important Jewish value.
As I look at the daily news, the increasing numbers of unemployed, housing foreclosures and people losing even the most basic of security, I am deeply reminded that too many times these have been the experiences of the Jewish people. We have experienced every form of dehumanization known to humankind. We have survived as a people because of the caring of others and a determination to persist.
Our internal scars mirror what others are now feeling — including our own. And we have a "deliverance from slavery" to offer. It's not money or food or even jobs. It IS the heart open to feel, the ear open to listen without the mouth being open at the same time. It IS a caring hand reaching out to one who feels he is drowning. It IS a phone call, a written note, a smile, a "good morning" or "I wish you a good day."
Matzah, one of Passover's most recognizable symbols, is flat, rather bland and derives most of its taste from what accompanies it. Jews only have to eat it for seven to eight days. For too many people today, life itself is flat and bland and without the basic flavor living requires. You and I, whatever our religious identity, are the condiments of life. Our words, gestures, empathy, sharing and openness truly do give hope to people otherwise drowning in a sea of indifference and, often, unjust insecurity.
Easter, capturing the story of life, death and resurrection, offers Christians of all orientations a new perspective on life and the ultimate relationship; so timely for those for whom life's hope languishes and loss of esteem leads to the thought of self-banishment to the cave of confusion and chaos.
Christianity lived through the love that birthed it and its symbols of hope and new life can roll the rock back from the grotto and allow new light into a too dark world.
That light, declared and shared, cannot be extinguished and grows in intensity each time it is shared. You and I have the opportunity to provide the most effective "recovery package" known to humankind; we are each invited to generously share the love that was given freely and unconditionally. Our traditions are gifts to be shared.
Albert Micah Lewis is rabbi of Congregation Beth El in Traverse City. For past Perspective columns, written by area religious leaders, log on to record-eagle.com/perspectives.
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