“The Exodus from Egypt occurs in every human being, in every era, in every year, and in every day.” — Reb Nachman of Breslov
Every year, it is customary in Jewish tradition for families to come together in commemoration of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery and their exodus from ancient Egypt. Over the course of eight days, Jews commemorate the emancipation from slavery by retelling the exodus story during Passover (pesach in Hebrew).
This reliving of history is done in a Seder meal consisting of different customs—the main ones being avoiding leaven, eating matzah, reciting the ten plagues, and drinking four glasses of wine to commemorate redemption and liberation.
So, what makes Passover 2020 the ideal time for introspection?
A MODERN DAY PLAGUE
For many people, the story of Passover and the ten plagues is especially symbolic this year. With the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, the world is changing, and people are learning how to slow down from their daily routines and adapt to new ways of living. Self isolation during the time of Passover symbolizes our very own modern day exodus—an opportunity to reflect on the past, be present in the moment, and pave the way to a more promising future.
ADAPTING TO A NEW NORMAL
As a species that thrives off the concept of evolution and growth, this time period offers a unique chance to do our inner work and self development. The holiday “opens wide the doors between our past and our future,” and connects us all to each other through our own struggles and personal redemptions (ReformJudaism.org, 2015).
INTROSPECTION, GROWTH, AND TRANSFORMATION
We are living through a time of transformation. Wearing face masks and silicone gloves to protect ourselves. Limiting our trips to the supermarket. Self isolating at home with our family and loved ones. Spending time towards things that we couldn’t make time for before the pandemic.
These are challenges and opportunities that are helping us redefine the norm. As a community, we are learning what it means to be united during a time of crisis. On a personal level, we are facing our authentic selves and looking inward for answers.
How do we feel about what is happening in the world? What do we want for the future? Do we even want to go back to the way things were before?
Passover 2020 is experiencing its own modern day plague—and it’s forcing us to really sit with ourselves, reevaluate, and ask some very important questions.
CONNECTING WITH THE DIVINE POWER
If there ever was a time to get closer to faith, now would be it. With the Coronavirus symbolizing the unpredictability of life and the fact that everything can change in an instant—the story of Passover epitomizes the notion of the presence of a higher being.
As in all stories of survival, there is a hero that saves the day. A warrior or a king, a heroin or a Goddess—or a knight in shining armor. These powerful figures give people a sense of hope that someone is protecting them. However, in reality, there is no real-life character that comes to save the day.
Passover 2020 in the time of Coronavirus is just another example of the power of the Divine. Whether you are a believer in a higher being, are more spiritual, or have lost touch with faith altogether—this time of uncertainty is your chance to connect with the higher source.
Just like the ten plagues represent the power of God’s impact, this 2020 we are being reminded that things are not in our control.
DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT
With the symbolism behind the story of Passover and all the noise taking place around the Coronavirus, now is the time to detach ourselves from everything—disconnect for eight days for our own redemption in order to reconnect with better vision and clarity.
I encourage everyone to slow down, adjust to this new change of pace, and connect with their inner essence during this time. This new dynamic under self isolation offers an opportunity to reflect and get in touch with our core selves.
Let us learn from this time and gain new perspectives on what is truly important to us in life. Let us grow. Let us change. Let’s evolve for the better good of society as a whole.
Let us start an #introspectionchallenge and hold ourselves accountable.
Who’s with me?