Monday, April 17, 2006

PASSOVER THOUGHTS

I had a great time at the Seders for both my parent's house and at my friend Joel, and his wife Tziporah. This page came from a Hagadah read at my parent's house and I thought was particularly inspirational and maybe best describes to me what I think "liberal" ideals are.

I THOUGHT THIS WAS VERY GOOD

From the plague of apathy, we lose our ability to care.
From the plague of hate, we perpetuate intolerance.
From the plague of poverty, we deny the blessing of plenty.
From the plague of hunger, we mock the bounty of our land.
From the plague of greed, we steal the earth's resources.
From the plague of injustice, we corrupt our sense of righteousness.
From the plague of neglect, we bring a sickness to our nation's soul.
From the plague of ignorance, we cheat the quest for truth.
From the plague of war, we diminish our humanity.
From the plague of servitude, slaves and oppressors alike lose their freedom.

The light of hope shines in the dark. Anne Frank wrote: “That's the difficulty in these times: ideals and cherished hopes rise within us, only to meet the horrible truth and be shattered. It's a wonder I haven't dropped my ideals. Yet I keep them, because inspite of everything I believe people are good at heart. I hear the approaching thunder, which will destroy us. I feel the sufferings of millions. Yet, ifI look to the heavens, I think it will all come right. I must uphold my ideals, for perhaps the time willcome when I shall be able to carry them out.”