It is almost Passover. A holiday that commemorates freedom and self determination. 

Although this is the third Passover since I stepped down from my pulpit, I have felt adrift and uncertain.

And it is not lost on me that it is the second during which hostages are still being held in Gaza. In many ways we Jews, all of us, are living in a liminal space. We are caught between an Israeli government that many of us do not trust, and a brutal enemy. We long for peace and a resolution to the conflict, but our hopes feel to be in vain.

We are being encouraged to add a lemon to our Seder plate to represent bitterness, to sip the saltwater that represents tears.

For me, there has been enough bitterness this past year, enough tears. I do not need a reminder.

But it turns out that miracles do happen. This week I was reminded that I am valued in my community, that there are people who have faith in me and want me to stand beside them as we together serve the greater Jewish community.

I am honored. I am delighted. And I am grateful.

Today I led an early Seder at an assisted living community that I serve, and for the first time in many months, I felt a burden lifted from my shoulders, replaced by joy.

I give thanks to You, God of my ancestors, my God and Protector of my children, for every kindness. Please protect and guard the hostages, that we may soon see their return to their homes and families. Amen