Every year, I look forward to observing Passover with my family. This year, we’re under quarantine due to the Coronavirus. Every year, it’s a tradition to hide the middle piece of Matzo for the children to search for and find.
Searching for the matzo is a riotous campaign, inevitably a competition by my wife Natalie and her sister Orly.
This year, at a virtual seder, I’ve been asked to hide the afikomen in cyberspace. Well, here it is.
If you’ve found this page, congratulations! You’ve found the afikomen.
The exercise feels funny but it’s profound: remaining adaptable, finding humor, and connecting with others in the face of considerable obstacles. I’m reminded of the Passover song, Dayenu, which means “it would have been enough”. In Jewish tradition, we thank God by saying, it would have been enough if he had only freed us from slavery in Egypt — but of course God did so much more than that, like feeding us manna and leading us to the Promised Land.
Holding a virtual Seder is less than ideal. At the same time I find myself being very grateful for what I have: an amazing family, great friends, a fulfilling job, and the privilege of serving ANC 1B12 as Commissioner. At a time when I can’t go to a restaurant, hug a friend or even walk down the street unmasked, I’m realizing how the very essentials really are enough for me. We must ensure that everyone in our community has the essentials they need — under quarantine, and at any time.