Last Matzah to Baghdad
Copyright Rabbi Eli Hecht
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Recent news from Iraq doesn’t sound too good. The killing of allied soldiers and civilians goes on. Random attacks on American civilians have become the norm, frustrating the rebuilding of a war-torn country. Plans for the freedom of Iraq and its neighbors are being set back. Allied goals for leaving the Iraqi people with the choice of democracy and free elections have become a nightmare. What will become of this region? Over 597 U.S. troops have died since the war began in March 2003. Do we have the power to truly liberate the region?
Here in the U.S. we are far removed from the “horrific attacks” and demonic acts of murder. What can we do to help the cause? How can we win this war?
The month of April marks the spring season and the Judeo Christian holidays. It brings hope and faith. For Jews the holiday of Passover marks the Exodus of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery. An elaborate meal called a Seder is held in honor of the Exodus. Matzah, unleavened bread, the food of oppression, and wine the sign of liberation, are consumed on Passover night. Both religions give significance to the Passover meal.
There is an interesting custom in the trans-Caucasian province of Kutais, which is situated near Turkish Armenia. A young lad is sent out into the street, clothed in travel dress. He returns in a few minutes, and knocks at the door, wishing to enter. But one of the company ask him, “Who are you?” “A Jew,” comes the reply. “If you are a Jew, then what are you doing on the road? Don’t you know that tonight is Passover? Where have you been up till now?”
He tells them that he (meaning the Jewish people) has journeyed all the way from Jerusalem, and how hard it was for him to make that long journey. He has passed through many Jewish communities; that everywhere people live in poverty and suffering, but with an undying faith in the coming Redemption through our righteous Messiah. Then they all exclaim, “O, may he come speedily in our time!” and they let the “wayfarer” in, and begin the Seder, inspired and full of joy. Today that custom has been stopped due to the fear of terrorism.
This week I spoke to my childhood friend, Chaplain Colonel Jacob Goldstein. He is the Command Chaplain, Joint Forces Headquarters Command, New York National Guard. He has recently returned from a military tour of theater operations in Iraq and nearby regions. He told me that the military is very concerned with the religious needs of all their military personnel. “This Passover there will be a seder within the area of one of Saddam’s palaces in Baghdad,” he reported. There are 150 attendees from the armed forces who have reserved space. There are another 3000 solo Seder kits with kosher food, Haggadah, ritual foods, and grape juice available. The Department of Defense Logistic Agency has seen to it that soldiers under military command have the opportunity to practice their faith. They have provided ritual food to our brave men and women in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Qatar, the Sunni Triangle and many other areas around the world. Imagine, Jews celebrating a 3000 year-old holiday in lands that have been ruled by tyrants and despots. What better message to the people of Iraq can there be? They too can be freed and live in a democratic fashion, free of fear.
This year Passover begins on Monday night, April 5th. Thousands world-over will be celebrating the holiday with family and friends. It would be wonderful if during the holiday we all acknowledge our brave men and women fighting a war of liberation overseas.
As in the days of old the Exodus for the oppressed Jews was complete so too we pray that oppressed people today be liberated. We pray that our soldiers return home soon and safely.