Next Year In Jerusalem

The phrase "Next Year in Jerusalem" carries a weight of complexity and nuance this year that cannot be ignored. 

Each year since at least the 15th century, Jews around the world have concluded their seder with the words “L'Shana Haba'ah B'Yerushalayim,” meaning “Next Year in Jerusalem.”

This phrase encapsulates a centuries-old tradition within Jewish culture, deeply rooted in the Passover Seder ritual, which commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. The phrase expresses a profound longing and hope for the ultimate redemption, and a return to the holy city of Jerusalem, which holds immense significance in Jewish history, religion, and collective memory.

Personally, the idea of longing to physically be in Jerusalem the following year has never really resonated. Next Pesach, I want to me with my family and community, most of whom are not in Jerusalem!

That hasn’t really bothered me, because for centuries this phrase it wasn't about nationalism or the existence of a modern state of Israel; it was a spiritual longing, a yearning for redemption and the restoration of Jerusalem as a symbol of hope and faith. 

This year, the phrase feels different.

The ongoing conflict and uncertainty in the levant cast a shadow over the traditional hope for a peaceful and harmonious Jerusalem. 

Wishing to be in Jerusalem next year feels fraught with complexity and nuance, as the city grapples with profound challenges and unrest. Now, in an era where Jerusalem is at the center of political tensions and territorial disputes, the phrase takes on new meaning and raises challenging questions about its relevance and implications. This year, my heart aches for the Jewish communities living in Israel, who are facing the daily realities of this conflict.  And my empathy extends beyond just one community; I also carry deep pain for all those caught in the crossfire regardless of identity, for the lives lost and the suffering endured throughout Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and the entire Levant.

Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan taught that Jewish tradition should have a "vote but not a veto," that we have a responsibility to engage with tradition while also recognizing the need for critical thinking and moral discernment. 

How do we maintain the integrity of the phrase “Next Year in Jerusalem” while also confronting the realities of violence and injustice in our world? 

How do we honor the spiritual significance of Jerusalem while acknowledging the complexities of its present-day reality?

While the phrase has historically symbolized a spiritual yearning for redemption and restoration, today it invites us to confront the realities of violence, division, and injustice that grip both Israel Palestine and extended communities. 

Amidst these challenges, we are challenged to embrace a nuanced approach that acknowledges both the spiritual significance of Jerusalem and the complex political and social dynamics at play. It's a call to action, urging us to engage critically with tradition while remaining steadfast in our commitment to justice, empathy, and peace for all.

"Next Year in Jerusalem" carries a weight of complexity and nuance this year that cannot be ignored. 

In the midst of uncertainty, may our collective longing for peace and justice guide us towards a future where all can live in dignity, security, and harmony, whether in Jerusalem or elsewhere.

This year's Seder may feel particularly challenging due to differing political views between family & community, which can create tension.

 Some may grapple with expressing solidarity with Israel while acknowledging human rights concerns or criticisms of government policies. 

Others might feel conflicted about supporting Palestinian rights while maintaining a strong connection to Jewish identity and Israel's security. 

Many individuals may not feel conflicted but rather grounded in their morality, which can make it challenging when others around the table disagree.

These divergent viewpoints can strain relationships and complicate efforts to find common ground during what is meant to be a unifying occasion. 

Navigating these political divides requires a delicate balance of empathy, understanding, and respectful dialogue. It's an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, listen to diverse perspectives, and seek mutual understanding, even in the face of disagreement.

Ultimately, the Passover Seder serves as a reminder of the importance of coming together as a community, despite our differences, to celebrate our shared history, values, and aspirations for a better world.