Rabbi Howard Morrison

One of the overall lessons of Pesach is how to achieve unity without imposing uniformity. When we gather at the Pesach Seder, we sit as a united family and fellowship even while we share differences of thought, belief, and practice. The four kinds of children perhaps exemplifies this lesson best.

Similarly, when we gather as a congregation, we sit together as a macro family, not any different than the micro family gathered at the Seder table.

Many Jews are Zionists. I am a Zionist. I share a love for Israel. Most of us in this sanctuary love Israel and identify as Zionists. This does not mean, however, that our views and feelings are one and the same. It is appropriate to dwell on Israel, Diaspora, and Zionism today. After all, Pesach celebrates the Exodus from Egypt and the journey toward entering the land of Israel.

Over the past few months, we have all heard, read, and seen the images of political debate in Israel. On the one hand, such debate celebrates Israel as an open democracy. On the other hand, there are those in Israel and abroad who fear for democracy in Israel. There are those living in the Diaspora who are vocal in their sentiments, and there are those in the Diaspora who feel we should have little or no say since we do not live in Israel or serve in the IDF.

In general, I personally feel the latter. If I were asked to comment on Israel's state of affairs, I would not be naive. However, my comments would always focus on the overall State of Israel, not any political party. I would always focus on Ahavat Yisrael, a genuine love for Israel. I would always focus on Klal Yisrael, the totality of the Jewish people. If I felt that my traditional but non-Orthodox rabbinic legitimacy was at stake, I would work with like-minded colleagues living in Israel to speak on my behalf. I fear that any potential critique, no matter how loving,  would only come across as a Diaspora bashing of Israel. 

A couple of weeks ago, our local UJA-Federation published an excellent statement on the political happenings in Israel, entitled, "When good people disagree." Some of the highlights include: Speaking to Israelis as Family. Quoting the noted Irwin Cotler, when debate becomes division, 'what's needed is engagement without apocalyptic language.' At times of polarization, we must model how to hold difficult conversations without fueling divisions. We must speak with clear and direct dialogue.

It seems to me that the Pesach Haggadah is the optimum tool and text for achieving positive and constructive goals while always maintaining our love and support for the State of Israel. Just as the Haggadah presents diverse views in a harmonious conversation, so too, we can present diverse views on the matters of today in a harmonious conversation.

Next year in Jerusalem, the Haggadah concludes. May that be the case for our Beth Emeth trip to Israel next Fall, and for all of us to visit, tour, study, and even live in the homeland of our people and heritage.

Chag Sameach,
Rabbi Howard Morrison