Presidentâs Message 4/25/14
Rabbi David White led the annual Congregation B’nai Israel Passover Seder on the second night of Passover. It was a wonderful gathering, a meaningful Service and a festive meal. I especially enjoy hearing the children laughing and playing in the courtyard after the dinner.
Rabbi White spoke about how we have memories of our childhood Seders and now it is our turn to provide memories for our children and grandchildren.
This got me thinking about my own childhood memories of Passover. I remember our family attending the community Seder at the Covenant Club of Chicago. I remember a large ballroom filled with families, a robed choir on the stage and the Service led by Rabbi Binstock.
I can picture our family table, my parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Everyone dressed up, the men in suits and ties, the women with mink coats and fine jewelry.
One year, maybe I was about 8 years old, I found the Afikoman. My grandfather told me where to look and there it was. I ran to the head table and gave it to the Rabbi. The prize was a golden Loving Cup engraved with the word Afikoman. I was thrilled, this was my first trophy. I treasured it. At home I polished it until I could see my reflection and put it on display in my bedroom.
In the years to come I won many trophies; baseball, golf, bowling, etc.,but no trophy was more important to me than the Afikoman trophy.
Yes, I have wonderful childhood memories of Passover and I hope the children that attend the B’nai Israel Community Passover will look back with pleasure at the memories we are providing. We have a responsibility to tell the story of how our People were taken out of slavery. This story has been passed from generation to generation. We did it again this year and I look forward to celebrating Passover next year.
Fred