There's a moment in the Seder where all our minds turn to hunger: Right before we eat! After readings and rituals, the smells from the kitchen tease us with the promise of something delicious.
But for many people, the feeling of hunger is not temporary. It doesn't go away when Sabba, Grande-mere, Auntie or Dad carries out plate after plate of delicious dishes. Hunger lasts for weeks, months or years -- with only temporary relief.
If you're reading this, you care about hunger and justice in our society. So bring that perspective to your Seder by downloading a printable version of this empathy-building Haggadah supplement to raise awareness when hunger is on everyone's minds:
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You can download a printable version of this meditation FOR FREE by scrolling to the bottom of this blog post.
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HUNGER DOESN'T ALWAYS END WHEN THE SEDER MEAL BEGINS
Leader: We have reached the point in our Seder where our meal begins. But we will pause for one more moment before we begin our feast to feel the hunger in our bodies. I invite you to call out your answers: How does it feel to be hungry right now? How does it feel both emotionally and physically?
ALL: [Notice your body, and answer out loud.]
Leader: Silently, we answer to ourselves:
How would it feel to go work or school like this every day? Could you do your best?
How would it feel to go to bed like this every night? Could you sleep?
How would it feel to know that this hunger will not end in just a moment as it will for us, but will last days, weeks, months, forever, with only short moments of relief?
How much energy would you have for learning, thinking, or dreaming - let alone for making the sort of huge changes necessary to help you escape the cycle of poverty? Could you ace an exam like this, or bring your best to a job interview?
ALL: Today, we empathize with those who are hungry on this night - and who will be hungry tomorrow, and tomorrow after that.
Leader: As we begin the Shulchan Orech, the Seder meal, we dedicate ourselves to fighting poverty, hunger, and injustice wherever we see them in the coming year - and have gratitude as we savour the delicious food we are about to enjoy.
ALL: We are dedicated, and we are grateful. Now, together at last, LET'S EAT!
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CLICK THE PDF ICON ABOVE TO DOWNLOAD A FREE COPY OF THIS READING
Because if you decide to feed the hungry through a gift to Mazon Canada this year - Dayenu! It will be enough!
But still, some people want more: they want to talk about hunger at their Seders, and take time to reflect on how to think about and respond to hunger "Jewishly."
That's why, by popular demand, we invite you to explore our brand-new DAYENU Program. Bring gratitude, empathy, and education to your Seder table with readings and resources on hunger and justice, AND feed the hungry in their honour of your loved ones with cards, ecards, and brand-new Seder place cards. (A version of this reading, adapted to recognize the people fed by your gift who are eating alongside you that night, is included. )
Hosts can also receive kids' activities, like an activity placemat and 2nd plague origami frog instructions, and a Passover cookbook!
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