You Gotta be kidding! Another Passover Seder!?

Kabbalah teaches that the Matzah we eat on the first night of Pesach is food of faith, and on the second night it’s food of healing.

How about we take it a step further and say that the whole Seder process follows those same themes?

Let us say that night # 1 is a 15 step process of spiritual growth – soul steps. And night # 2 follows with fifteen steps of physical, psychological and relationship growth – body steps.

So, even though we say the exact same words and do the same actions on both nights; they are two different journeys altogether.

Night 1 - Soul

Kadesh: Kiddush comes from the Hebrew word ‘Kadosh’ holy. The first step in tapping into our soul power is to realize that our soul is a piece of G-d, and that we have G-dly power to achieve anything we set our mind on.

Urchatz: When journeying toward holiness we must first remove all the dirt and filth of sin and impurity.

Karpas: A few tears of remorse for the times we didn’t do what pleases G-d are a vital step of repentance and growth.

Yachatz: There is no grey area between what G-d wants and that which is against His will. The grayness and lack of clarity between good and evil is broken, for the two just cannot mix.

Maggid: ‘Cheshbon Hanefesh’ (accounting of the soul) is a basic tenet in Judaism, where one looks retrospectively back at his life and makes an account of all the decisions and actions he’s done.

Rochtza: Ok, enough with dealing with the past. Now we can wash away what was, and start looking ahead into the future.

Motzi: There are three Matzos which resembles three types of Jews. When reciting this blessing we hold all three in our hands. This is a sign of unity, which according to the words of the great sage Hillel: “This is the whole Torah, the rest is merely commentary.” What a great way to begin the future!

Matzah: Matzah with its lack of yeast resembles humility. Bringing humility and a broken heart is the next step in making ourselves a vessel for holiness.

Maror: Earlier we shed tears of remorse. This time we shed tears of yearning and love for G-d, to Whom we are working to get closer to, one step at a time.

Korech: Humility mixed with love for G-d?! Wow that is the whole Chassidus on one foot! Way to go!

Shulchan Orech: So, you’ve become holy! Does that mean that you have to climb onto the Himalayas and starve yourself for weeks with your eyes closed to become holier? No! The Jewish way is to live in the world and bring holiness into the physical.

Tzafun: Judaism doesn’t shun individuality; quite the contrary, it encourages people to discover their talents and use them in the service of the Creator.

Barech: When using the physical (Shulchan Orech) and our talents (Tzafun), make sure not to get carried away and forget who gave it to us, and why they exist.

Hallel: Wow! What an opportunity of growth has been given to us. A song of praise and thanks is sung to the Creator who gave us the chance to repent and become closer to Him.

Nirtza: Yes, our journey has been a success, but we cannot forget about the greater journey which began at the dawn of creation and is about to conclude – the coming of Moshiach. Stand up and cry: We Want Moshiach Now!

Night 2 - Body

Kadesh: Wine brings happiness, and when going on this journey we can either do it with sadness and anger or with joy and elation. The Jewish way is the happy way. L’chaim! For a successful journey.

Urchatz: All those notions you have developed about yourself “I can’t do this, I can’t do that!” - just wash them away. If we are to change, we must believe that we can change!

Karpas: On this journey, you might have to confront hurts from your past which will cause pain and tears, don’t be afraid to take them head on, it will only make you stronger.

Yachatz: Ok, let’s go. The first step in healing is the acknowledgment that we are all good and the mistakes we made don’t make us bad people. Separate the action from the person.

Maggid: Talk it out. To yourself, to a trusted friend. Talk it out. If that’s too hard, write it down. Put your life story in front of you. And appreciate the G-dly Hand in all of it.

Rochtza: Ok, enough with dealing with the past. The past is past; your future is in your hands. Don’t let your history keep you hostage! Wash it off!

Motzi: When looking toward the future, you are not alone. There is Someone up there who loves you and watches over you every second. Why, He even takes time to make wheat grow to sustain us. He is there. He is here. He is everywhere.

Matza: Humility is not only a vessel for G-dliness. It’s also a vessel for wholesome relationships, with family, friends, and even with ourselves. Put your ego aside, and your life will take a leap for the better.

Maror: “Happily ever after” is a nice slogan for story tellers, but an untrue line for humans who live in this universe. Pain is a fact of life, the question is the perspective on how to look at it and deal with it. If we can accept the challenges that come our way, we are guaranteed a happier and more peaceful life.

Korech: Every one of us has his own ‘pekel’ - baggage of good things and of the not so good, be it family, parnasa, nachas, etc. we all have our own ‘pekel’. Mix ‘em all together and thank G-d for your ‘pekel’.

Shulchan Orech: Enjoy life! Eat, sleep, enjoy each precious moment. Ok, don’t go overboard… but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the sunshine, nature and all its blessing. After all it was all created for you!

Tzafun: Oh, don’t say that you’re not special, and that there’s nothing unique about you. For if that’s the case, then why would G-d have put you in this world? Obviously because you can accomplish things that no one else can accomplish! Bring out the real you! Let yourself shine!

Barech: A good tool for any relationship: say “Thank you!” compliment people and say nice things about them. Tell a kid he’s an animal, and he’ll act like one. Tell him he’s a saint, and he’ll be one!

Hallel: Even though we are dealing with the body, we must remember that in Judaism, body and soul are deeply connected. This is your chance for thanking G-d for everything He’s given you and continues to give!

Nirtza: Look onto the horizon and envision for yourself a future. Once you have a clear vision, now it’s time to start the journey to become the best you can.

In Chabad we don’t say “The Seder is over”, because in essence the Seder never really ends. On the contrary, the journey has just begun…