Community Corner
Reflecting on Family and Freedom from a Full Table
Rabbi Mark Hyman and his family mark the beginning of Passover with a traditional Seder.
With aromas of Matzah and roasted lamb and turkey in the air, Rabbi Mark Hyman of Congregation Tikvat Jacob in Manhattan Beach prepared a Seder Monday evening to honor the beginning of the eight-day festival of Passover.
It was truly a family affair as Rabbi Hyman was joined by his wife Risa, his son and daughter—Jonathan and Marissa—as well as his cousins, sisters and nieces. The significant others of Rabbi Hyman's children also took part in the festivities.
The importance of the Seder is based on the Biblical commandment for Jews to pass on the story of their ancient Exodus from Egypt to their children and grandchildren. That obligation is fulfilled by retelling the story every year at the Seder using a special text called a Haggadah.
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Seder customs include four wine blessings, as well as eating Matzah (unleavened bread) and the symbolic foods that are placed on the Passover plate. The dominant theme woven throughout this ancient observance is the importance of freedom for all people, even as Jews remember their Egyptian bondage.
