Passover Traditions

If you celebrate Passover, chances are you have a few traditions. You know, things we see, hear and do every year for the holiday to remind ourselves of our journey from slavery to freedom.

But since moving here, I've noticed that some people have traditions that remind them of more recent events; events from which they will never be entirely free.

Our next door neighbors lost their son while he was serving in the Israeli army nearly 20 years ago. He was killed before any of my children were even born.

Yet every year in the hours before they sit down to the Passover Seder with their remaining children and extended family, current and past members of their son's elite infantry unit come to visit them and comfort them before this most family oriented of Jewish holidays.

Formerly young men who served with my neighbors' son come with their families to say hello. And late in the afternoon a senior officer always comes to their door bearing a holiday gift basket... and the thanks of a grateful nation.

Tonight we have a tradition of seeing ourselves as if we were personally brought out of slavery. But for some it is not such a stretch of the imagination.