"Passover Week - Conclusion"

I finish my Passover Week posts with a reminder of some people who wanted to observe the matzah-eating ritual but whose circumstances prevented them from doing so. When I eat matzah for eight days on Passover, I do it, at least partly, for them. In their memory. And in their honor.

If this touches you, maybe you can copy it, and include it in future seders. If you’re members of a different group, or no group, this may mean nothing to you. Then again…you never know.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to pass this along.

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“The Jewish prisoners in the German concentration camp at Bergen-Belsen did not have matzah for the observance of Passover in 1944. Under the circumstances the sages at the camp permitted the eating of leavened bread for which occasion this benediction was composed.

‘Our Father in Heaven. Behold it is evident and known to Thee that it is our desire to do Thy will and to celebrate the festival of Passover by eating matzah and by observing the prohibition of unleavened food.

But our heart is pained that the enslavement prevents us and we are in danger of our lives. Behold, we are prepared and ready to fulfill Thy commandment:

“And ye shall live by them and not die by them.”

We pray to Thee that Thou mayest keep us alive and preserve us and redeem us speedily so that we can observe Thy statutes and do Thy will and serve Thee with a perfect heart.

Amen.’”