Yizkor: Passover is Full of Memories

Rabbi Joel Fleekop

Monday, April 9, 2007

Passover is a holiday full of memories; the memory of how our ancient ancestors were slaves in Egypt and the memory of how God, with a mighty hand, brought them forth from oppression to liberation.

The seders we attend during the holiday are designed to recall the memories of the ancient story described in Exodus, but for most of us, they are also laden with memories of family and loved ones. The stories they used to tell, the special dishes they prepared, and the songs they used to sing.

Passover is a holiday full of memories. And so we have come together l’zkor, to remember.

I especially remember my Aunt Marlene whose yahrzeit is the week before Passover. Though she lived much of her life battling the bondage of depression, the time I spent with her was full of joy. Despite dying tragically young, she left her 4 sons, her niece, nephews, and the rest of her family with a rich collection of memories. Though recalling her death brings pain and sadness, thoughts of her life bring joy.

Rabbi Wolpe teaches that “the saddest person in the Bible is Methusela because all the Bible tells us is that he lived 969 years and had children. Imagine—all those years and not one word about what he taught his children, not one accomplishment worth recording.”

But our loved ones, God willing, lived lives more full than that of Methusela. And in so doing, they have left us with teachings more valuable than diamonds, teachings and memories that have the ability to connect generations and bridge the chasm of death.

Our tradition teaches that despite the rush to flee Pharaoh, Moses and the Israelites took their ancestor Joseph’s bones with them out of Egypt. It was important for them to take this connection to the past with them into the desert and onto the Promised Land. So too is it important for us to take our link to the past, the memories we hold in our heart, with us as we continue our holy journeys. As the Haggadah instructs, by remembering the past, we find guidance for the future.

Passover is a holiday full of memories. And so we have come together l’zkor, to remember.