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04/10/09 - (2)
To the Left
Sitting here, this quiet Friday evening, by myself, I ponder what seems, to me, an oddity From the recently concluded Passover festivities.
According to the Union Haggadah, The leader at the Seder, that designated sage Who guides all the participants, joyously, though the rituals,
Is supposed to lean to his left When lifting his cup brimming with the fruit of the vine, Between answering "Why is this night different...?" questions,
Progressing the cumulative verses of "Had Gadyo," Inviting elusive Elijah to partake of the celebration, And bringing closure, proclaiming, "Next year in Jerusalem."
The significance of leaning left, so I've been told, Harks back to the wealthy citizens of ancient Rome, Who ate, leaning on couches, propped up on their left elbows.
Apparently, leaning left, at the Seder table, Symbolizes the Jews' status as men, women, and children Delivered, from Egyptian bondage, to the riches of freedom.
Suddenly, I shudder, from a vision altogether too sinister: Ragged, terrified, sick, starving European Jews Arriving, in screeching cattle cars, at those desolate destinations,
Being screamed at, by Nazi soldiers restraining snarling dogs, To hurry this way or that: "To the right!" (work, life); "To the left!" (death).
04/10/09 - (2)
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