Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Yael Splansky

A Pesach Message from Rabbi Yael Splansky

It seems the whole world is protesting. This year’s Pesach, Festival of Freedom, is arriving right on time. The very first Pesach was a kind of protest, too. On that night, our ancestors put the sign of protection on the lintels of their houses. They shared a lamb feast with neighbours and hungry strangers. They “girded their loins” and found courage they didn’t know they had. They “took up a staff in their hands” and reclaimed the dignity others tried to deny them. That night, they chose to take a chance on freedom. They chose to put their faith in one another and in the God who Redeems.

We don’t know what the journey ahead will bring for the Jewish People, for the Jewish State or for Canada. This Pesach comes right on time for us to reflect on how we can protect the many freedoms we cherish and how we can create greater freedom for those who seek it. We hope these resources below will spark meaningful conversation at your seder tables.

From the Israeli Reform Movement

From Mishael and Noam Zion of the Hartman Institute Seder supplement for 2025
download here: https://bit.ly/zionseder2025

Every year, I send you a different Pesach poem, something you might share before lighting the Yom Tov candles. This one is brand new, written by Rabbi Evan Schultz. Enjoy!

It was never about the four children,
but about seeing our children
for exactly who they are.
It was never about the four questions,
but about living with curiosity.
It was never about Dayenu,
but about going to sleep affirming
that today I was and I am enough.
It was never about the matzah,
but about acknowledging
the profound fragility of life.
It was never about the seder plate,
but about recognizing
the symbolism in everyday things.
It was never about the maggid,
but about asking our parents
to teach us their stories.
It was never about the saltwater,
but about giving space for tears.
It was never about the plagues,
but about recognizing where
our broken world needs us most.
It was never about the four cups,
but about embracing life’s joys.
It was never about the seder,
but about seeking a sense
of order in a very chaotic world.
It was never about Elijah,
but about believing that
a better world is still possible.
It was never about the haggadah,
but about tradition telling us
that we each have a story to write.

It was, however, always about
the matzah ball soup.

Erev First Day Pesach Yom Tov Service
Saturday, April 12, 6:00 pm
Learn more & join us

First Day Pesach Yom Tov Service
Sunday, April 13,10:00 am
Guest Rabbi, Felicia Sol, Senior Rabbi of Manhattan’s B’nai Jeshurun, will give the sermon
Learn more & join us

Erev Seventh Day Pesach Yom Tov Service
Friday, April 18, 6:00 pm
Learn more & join us

Seventh Day Pesach Yom Tov and Yizkor (Memorial) Service
Saturday, April 19, 10:00 am
Learn more & join us

Please note that our brief Yizkor (Memorial) Service on Saturday, April 19 at 10:00 am will be especially meaningful for those who are missing dear ones at the seder table. Our next Yizkor Service will be on Shavuot, Monday, June 2 at 10:00 am.

Click here for all of our Pesach 5785 offerings

I hope to see you over the coming days for shared meaning, music, and memory.

Wishing you and those you love a Chag Sameach!

Rabbi Yael Splansky