The essence of the Passover seder

Dear community members,

As we prepare for Passover, it's time to reflect not only on the traditions of the holiday, but also on the deeper meaning of redemption, faith, and sincerity. One of the most inspiring Passover stories comes from Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev, who is known for his deep compassion and love for every Jew.

Auszug aus Ägypten, © Jacobo Cheja Mizrahi

It is said that on one Passover night, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak reached a state of intense spiritual elevation and felt as if he had ascended to seventh heaven. At that moment, a heavenly voice revealed to him:

“Do not boast, for the Seder of the gatekeeper Chaim is greater than yours!”

Curious about this revelation, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak sent his Chassidim into the streets of Berdichev to find this mysterious Chaim, the doorman. They found him at home, sound asleep after drinking heavily the day before. Despite his wife's protests that he was too drunk, they carried him to the rabbi's house, where he sat next to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak.

The rabbi turned to him and asked, “My dear Reb Chaim, what were your thoughts and intentions during your Seder?”

The still sleepy doorman looked at the rabbi and replied, "I'll tell you the truth. I heard that one isn't allowed to drink liquor during the eight days of Passover, so this morning I drank enough to last all eight days. I got tired and fell asleep.

When night came, my wife woke me and said, "Why don't you hold the Seder like all Jews?"

I answered her, "What do you want from me? I am an ignorant man, the son of an ignorant man. But I know one thing: Our ancestors were once enslaved, and we have a great God who redeemed us and led us to freedom. Now we are in captivity again, and I tell you: The Holy One, blessed be He, will redeem us once again."

Then I saw matzo, wine, and eggs on the table. I ate, I drank, and gave my wife something to eat and drink.

Mazzen, ein wichtiges Symbol für die Geschichte von Pessach, © Freepik

Afterward, a great joy filled my heart. I raised my cup to heaven and said, "Behold, my God, this cup—I drink to your health! Turn to us and deliver us!" And then I fell asleep again."

This story reminds us that Passover is not just about the formal structure of the Seder, but also about the essence of faith, gratitude, and the longing for redemption. While Rabbi Levi Yitzchak sank into deep spiritual contemplation, it was the simple and sincere faith of the doorman Chaim that was considered the greatest Seder in the eyes of Heaven.

In our own lives, we often strive for perfection in our traditions and rituals. But the true essence of Passover lies in our hearts—in our ability to recognize that, just as our ancestors were redeemed from Egypt, we long for personal and collective redemption.

On Saturday, April 12, we will celebrate the Passover Seder together in our community. Passover is the first holiday we observe as a nation, marking our transition from slavery to freedom. It is also the first of the three pilgrimages, during which, in ancient times, all Jews were obligated to attend the Temple in Jerusalem.

As we gather for our communal Seder, we should remember that the most important part of the holiday is not just the rituals, but the spirit of faith, joy, and unity. May we all, whether we celebrate with family, friends, or our community, experience a Passover of freedom, renewal, and blessing.

We look forward to celebrating with you and wish you a Chag Pesach Kasher v'Sameach!