Page 15 - Harlem Pesach Companion 2021

The Latin origin of ‘conspiracy’ suggests the act of breathing together. To conspire is to
be this close to trust. Breath to breath. Eye to Eye. The ever-evolving ‘we’ is the
recurring commitment.

Try it at Seder: Role play this brief scene with two people, no words, just eye contact,
imagining this moment of multiple meanings, then and now (It will be weird from a
social distance but - fascinating). Take turns. Discuss.

What if Passover 2021 is not just one more reading of the same old saga but the taking on
of real commitment, individual, communal, to lean-in and to reach out as better allies?
This year, with many in the Jewish community more aware and activated to join the fight
against systemic injustice, how do we go beyond the bondage of our past, to rise up with
this sacred story as another roadmap for the continued exodus of our society’s moral
evolution?

What if the will to fight for freedom doesn’t end with Passover? Perhaps that’s why our
ancients came up with the Counting of the Omer, 49 nights of persistence. We walk each
year in our ancestors’ footsteps: From the day they left the narrowness, with hands raised
high until they reached the mountaintop of unity and purpose. Our journey picks up
where they left off, each year again, from one threshold to another, Passover to Shavuot
is the continued counting of the daily commitment to walk the talk of liberation, failing,
restarting, again and again. Seven weeks of practice, each day another way to keep
extending ourselves, more accountable, choosing to show up, to listen, to support.
When we complete the count it’s Shavuot and we stay up late again, just like on Seder
night, to delve in deeper to the stories that guide our lives. The tale of Ruth the Moabite
is told, a scroll of loving kindness, where hands and eyes touch, strangers are welcomed,
hunger held by care. Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz remind us not to give up on each other.

What if we pay closer attention to these sacred stories, and recommit to this ritual rhythm
of our life: To keep on walking, marching, counting, and conspiring for change, from one
holy night to another, year and after year, hand in hand, raised high, until nobody is left
behind.

What if we choose to stretch our hand?

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