. . . the Jewish way of life is to reiterate the ritual, to meet the spirit again and again, the spirit in oneself and the spirit that hovers over all beings (Heschel)
This Wednesday evening marks the First Day of Passover for our Jewish brothers and sisters. The observance of this holiday begins with a ceremonial meal known as the Seder. The Seder celebrates the liberation of the Jewish slaves from Egypt thousands of years ago and lifts up, through ritual and story telling, the beginnings of the Jewish people. It is the most widely observed ritual amongst religious and secular Jews throughout the world.
One important element in the Seder ritual is the empty chair and place setting for the prophet Elijah. There is a prayer within the ceremonial meal dedicated to Elijah. Legend has it that Elijah visits every Seder, and children have fun wondering if he drinks a few drops from his wine cup, for that would "affirm" his presence.
Elijah, teaches Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, is the prophet in Jewish folklore who will announce the arrival of the Messiah. He is also believed to be the one who will perform the final miracle before the coming of the Messiah: "he shall reconcile the hearts of fathers to sons and the hearts of sons to fathers," written in the book of Malachi 3:24. There is a saying amongst rabbis, when unable to resolve certain disputes, they suspend discussion until "Elijah comes and resolves it." 1
Elijah is a prophet in the Hebrew Bible who does not die. He ascends heavenward in a chariot of fire, destined to witness to the eternity of the Jewish community. A special chair is placed at every circumcision for Elijah as well for he is to witness each male's entrance into the covenant of the Israelites.
Elijah is a legendary miracle worker. Multiplying food and bringing the dead to life, he parallels miracles attributed to Jesus some 800 years later.
The occurrence of the Hebrew deliverance from slavery led by Moses is an actual historical fact and yet the Passover tradition is not meant to perpetuate rivalry and prejudice against non Jews. It is meant to assure Jews of the covenant with their God, that their God delivered them to serve in good faith.
But it is more than that, it is a metaphor for the struggles of liberation in its many forms: the understanding of one's own bondage, the identification of that which blocks freedom, risking reaching out for that freedom, taking responsibility of free will, risking crossing unknown boundaries and breaking down walls, facing the wilderness and awkwardness that can come from new beginnings and venturing forth with a deep belief in the promise of a better world.
Part of the Passover legend includes the occasional doubt and even rejection of the newfound freedom. Wandering in the desert, inundated with new hardships, the Israelites blamed Moses for their state, even longing, at times, to return to the bondage in Egypt where days were predictable, food, tasks and decisions about their lives provided.
Freedom brings in a whole new set of variables, especially when there has been little or no experience of the wide expanse that liberty suddenly besets the traveler. Freedom often means that the old logic, the old lifestyle, most of the knowledge and assumptions simply evident before no longer work. A new set of variables, priorities, even values come into play whether you are ready for them or not. That is part of the wisdom of the Passover legend, part of the metaphor -- hard earned freedom does not stop the challenge of living with fear and uncertainty.
Elijah's chair present in the remembering of that journey, keeps the sense of uncertainty alive. It also reminds those given freedom that responsibility comes with that freedom. As the Hebrews were strangers in a strange land, so must the covenanting community be ever open to welcoming the stranger. Elijah's reserved chair at the Seder table is a visual reminder of the religious discipline known in welcoming the stranger. In fact, the health of the community demands that you do so. And it follows that the willingness to stretch your heart enough to hear new things and invite new wisdom prepares the way for that Messiah, that pathfinder of Enlightenment present in your hearts to enter your lives.
"In Hebrew, the word for 'stranger' is also the root of the word 'border'," writes Eliezer Shore. "Whether it is an individual, a nation, or an alien philosophy, the stranger stands outside the borders of our perspective . . . And because (the stranger's) existence contradicts our definition of reality, upon which our sense of self is built, (she or) he presents a threat to our very being." 2
An essential principle in Judaism is that one does not worship idols or icons. Even the name ascribed to God is an estimation . . . something that can provide a framework for conversation and study, but clearly no where near the entire description of that which is beyond our understanding. To claim any one way of naming or describing the ground of our Being, the Source of Creation, is to bear false witness, is to limit that Presence to human sight and understanding . . . a sin of arrogance . . . of blasphemy. Elijah's chair is reserved and maintained as the mysterious element, the paradoxical presence amongst us, beyond single knowing or naming.
"The stranger demands our attention." Eleizer Shore points out, "As long as we fail to acknowledge him (or her), our vision of reality will remain incomplete. Spiritual growth is the process of venturing beyond one's boundaries into unfamiliar terrain. There one learns the deeper truth, that can only be born out of encounter with the unknown." 3
Who amongst this community is that stranger that threatens your borders? Who in this community challenges you to work through discomfort into acceptance? Who in this community invites you by their presence to stretch your heart, humble your expectations and confuse your conclusions? And who is missing? Who haven't we invited in? Who wouldn't feel welcome when we open our doors? Who could sit here in Elijah's chair, announcing the coming reconciliation, announcing that the Messiah is among us?
"The point," Mr. Shore goes on to say, " is not to erase all boundaries . . . Borders must exist. The point is not to be limited by them." 4
We are all individuals, coming to the table with various stories and baggage, different hungers and tastes, mixed appetites and agendas, unknown resources of abundance. If we would but leave a space open in our minds and hearts for the stranger that would deepen our understanding and broaden our sight, we could celebrate any journey, through the wilderness times and the breaking free times, till all of us find our way home.
So let it be. Shalom.