And next year may there be (at least) one more at the table
April 3, 2007 at 9:58 am | Posted in AdoptThis! | 20 CommentsThat’s my Passover wish for all of us out there who are adopting/ttcing.
When I was studying abroad in Germany, I went to a seder led by a lubavitcher rebbe (I didn’t know that this would be the case when I went to it!) Aside from the fact that we didn’t start eating until midnight, because he spoke only English and everything had to be translated into German and Russian, I was also taken aback by the way he interpreted the story of the Exodus as a story about chosenness. I had never heard the Passover story interpreted that way, and it enraged me.
In my family seders and in the ones that I’ve had with family and friends since setting out as an adult, I choose to focus more on images of justice and freedom from bondage. We spill a drop of wine and take away from our joy to mark the fact that our liberation meant the suffering of the Egyptians.
This year this story rings even more true for me. I think of Moses’ mother, Yocheved, watching her child be raised by Pharoah’s daughter, knowing that by giving up her child, she saved his life – and lost the chance to live as his mother.
In the section about the plagues, the haggadah that we are using this year says:
“Help us to dream new paths to freedom, so that the next sea-opening is not also a drowning; so that our singing is never again their wailing. So that our freedom leaves no one orphaned, childless, gasping for air.”
To which I (& Guatebaby) say amen.
Wishing you and yours a very sweet and peaceful Pesach.
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That was very nice, Art.
Comment by Minnesota Nice— April 3, 2007 #
Good Lord, he’s cute, Art. 🙂
Comment by Nicolep— April 3, 2007 #
Right back at you, Art. that’s our deep wish for next year as well…for us, and for you.
And that picture makes me weak with its cuteness.
Comment by Lo— April 3, 2007 #
My gosh, I think he get cuter in every picture.
Comment by Penny— April 3, 2007 #
ditto.
he’s so freaking cute it should be illegal.
Comment by j— April 3, 2007 #
The boy does get cuter with every picture.
Your post reminded me of my own seder last night, where my mother announced that “Al-Levai, next year we’ll have another baby in the house.” All eyes went to my stomach. Chag Sameach to you and Pili, and instead of next year in Jerusalem, next year with children for both of us.
Comment by Lyrehca— April 3, 2007 #
That was a lovely post, a-s.
I had a dream about you the other night. It was bizarre, but at the end of it, you had a baby and everyone was crying with happiness. I was pregnant AGAIN, so let’s hope that part of the dream doesn’t happen! I woke up simultaneously thrilled to pieces (for you) and freaking right the hell out (for me).
Also, could you email me your address so I can send you the stuff I forgot to give you in NYC?
Comment by julia— April 3, 2007 #
I’d never thought about the Moses story in this light — from Yocheved’s point of view. Thank you for this.
(Also, I’m so glad the haggadah resonated for you! 🙂
Comment by Rachel— April 3, 2007 #
Happy Passover to you too and I certainly hope you have him home many many many months before next passover!
Comment by Amy— April 3, 2007 #
Amen indeed, on all counts!!
And oh, he is beautiful!!!
Comment by Margie— April 3, 2007 #
I hope there is at least one more at the table with you next year.
A beautiful post.
Comment by Co— April 4, 2007 #
Yes. Next year may there be another one at your table. I had the same thought as I said the shehecheyanu, my son in my arms.
Happy and sweet passover to you.
Comment by roundisfunny— April 4, 2007 #
Zissen Pesach to you and yours
Comment by nycphoenix— April 4, 2007 #
Very interested to know which haggadah that is, the link doesn’t say!
Hoping that your wish comes true for next year.
Comment by thalya— April 4, 2007 #
Amen, Amen, Amen.
Comment by Susan— April 4, 2007 #
He looks so cute!!
Comment by erinberry— April 4, 2007 #
Happy passover to you too. Sending you best wishes, Robin, Marcia, Pearl & Carrie
Comment by Robin— April 4, 2007 #
he is so cute…I had no idea you shall have a little Jewtemalan as we do.
SBP
Comment by secretblogpal— April 5, 2007 #
I have no idea what a pesach is exactly but a sweet and peaceful one to you too.
Comment by caramaena— April 5, 2007 #
Guatebaby is GORGEOUS! I hope that he will come home soon.
Comment by Clementine— April 10, 2007 #