Rabbi Yael Splansky, Holy Blossom Temple

Exodus 12: 3-4 describes for us how the original night Pesach was carried out: “Each shall take one lamb per family, one lamb per household. Let them share with a neighbour who dwells nearby, in proportion to the number of persons. You shall contribute for the lamb according to what each household will eat.” The message is clear and resonates for us today as much as it ever did.

If you have too much, share with your neighbour. If you don’t have enough, accept from your neighbour. More than the buying frenzies, these trying days have shown remarkable generosity. More than isolation of the spirit, people are showing extraordinary selflessness. More than fear, people are showing real courage. 

So if you have something to give – a talent of skill, a gift of funds, the ability to reach out to another to break the loneliness or vulnerability -- Pesach is the time to give it. And if there is something you need, Pesach is the time to receive it from your neighbours, your fellow congregants, fellow Jews, fellow citizens.  

Because God knows, we truly are all in this together.

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