Page 8 - Harlem Pesach Companion 2021
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quietly recite the psalms that followed to an empty hallway, for fear of waking the folks
next door.
As I turned the knob and cracked open the door, there stood our upstairs neighbor Tushar.
Tushar’s hand was raised, poised to knock. “Oh hi guys!” he said cheerfully, “I hope I’m
not too late for your holiday. I brought a bottle of wine!”
So Tushar joined us at the table, happy to check out our singing, bemused at our search
for the afikomen, and glad to meet our motley crew.
None of us know when a redeemed world is coming — only that Elijah will return before
that day, signaling that ultimate redemption is in sight. Just over a century ago, Franz
Kafka wrote that “the messiah will come only when he is no longer necessary.” Indeed, it
is on us to create the conditions for a better world right now and, through our actions, to
invite in the redemption we long for.
After all, we never know from what direction Elijah will arrive. But Elijah only comes if
we set out a cup.
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