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A Pesach Story For Your Seder

Pictures released by the Israeli Air Force showing planes returning after intercepting the direct attack from Iran, April 14, 2024 (Israel Defense Forces) 1. The opposite of October 7: Israel’s handling of the unprecedented Iranian drone and missile attack overnight Saturday was the complete opposite of the unfathomable catastrophe of October 7. In utter contrast to the failures at every level that enabled Hamas to invade six months ago, Israel — with considerable input from the US and regional allies — was braced for the Iranian attack. Its intelligence on what was about to unfold was accurate. It prepared effectively to meet the onslaught. Its military establishment, and especially the Air Force and pilots, rose to meet the danger. And, again with the assistance of the US and regional allies, Israel’s leadership thwarted the attack — fulfilling its obligation to keep its citizenry safe from enemy aggression. 2. By the numbers: According to the IDF, Iran launched 170 drones at Israel — not one of which reached Israeli airspace. All were intercepted in the course of their hours-long journeys — by the IAF, the US, UK, France and Jordan. Iran also fired 30 cruise missiles, some of which are reportedly capable of carrying 1,000-kilogram (1-ton) warheads. Again, according to the IDF, not one of them reached Israeli airspace. All were intercepted earlier in their approximately two-hour journeys, 25 of them by the IAF. The Dome of the Rock atop the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City, with the lights of missile interceptions visible in the night sky, early on April 14, 2024, after Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel. (Social media/X; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

As I sat at the seder table, leaning on my blue and white Star of David pillow. I watched flickering yellow flames reflect in the eyes of my family and friends.

I marvelled at the beauty of my vision.

Now to get their attention, I stood, cleared my throat, raised my arms toward heaven.

And so I began.

Tonight, I’m going to tell you a story about two dates —October 7th, 2023 and April 14th, 2024.

A story about a great and grateful people, a nation and their G-d.

A story thousand of years old and as new as yesterday.

A story of questions and a story of faith.

A story of great sadness and a story of great joy.

A story of the darkest evil and the goodness of light.

A story of hate and a story of love.

But first, we must praise Adonai for what he has given us.

We praise You, Adonai our G-d, Ruler of the Universe, Who has kept us alive and well so that we can celebrate this special time.

 And tonight this special time will be different than all other seders because tonight we’re going to ask you, Adonai, four questions.

Oh Lord, as our October 7th tears burn our eyes, we want to know:

How did you allow such a tragedy to befall your Tribe?

Where did you hide when the innocent were massacred?

Did your hands shield your eyes from this brutal slaughter?

When will you show us your love by providing us with a faith-restoring miracle?

G-d waited to reply, but six months later, on April 14th Hashem replied:

So you prayed for a miracle and asked me for a symbol of hope.

Well my children, look to Jerusalem’s night sky at the flashing lights, exploding like fireworks, listen to the drones of my sirens as my hands form a perfect dome over your kippahs.

Watch as I light the heavens, separating light from darkness across the City of Peace.

Marvel at the beauty of this vision.

Watch as I shield the Western Wall from destruction.

Watch as I protect those in the land of Israel, just as I protected Moses and the Israelites as they fled Egypt and crossed the Sea of Reeds.

Three hundred Iranian  rockets, drones and missiles raced toward the Holy Land and they are all destroyed before arriving on Israeli soil.

How is that for a faith-restoring miracle?

Yes, it’s a modern-day miracle that belongs in your Haggadahs.

Yes, I, Adonai, want future generations to remember how I took out my mighty hand and my outstretched arm to protect my people from rockets, missiles and drones.

And, yes this year, I, Adonai, want to hear “Dayenu” chanted at every seder table for that word alone would be enough to remind me that my great people are grateful.

Amen.

About the Author
Florida's Jewish short-story writer, speaker, film producer and retired attorney. He has authored, "A Hebraic Obsession", "The Hanukkah Bunny" and "The Greatest Gift." He produced an award-winning short film entitled, "The Stairs". Movie can be viewed on my TOI blog. ChatGPT says, Mort is known for his works that often explore themes of love, loss, and the human connection. Laitner has published several books , including “A Hebraic Obsession.” His writing style is characterized by its emotional depth and introspection. Laitner’s works have garnered praise for their heartfelt expression and keen insight into the human experience.
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