Four Questions to Connect the Generations

Four Questions to Connect the Generations

Elections by nature are always divisive. It is part of the democratic process. This year seems different. There is more anger and frustration than I have seen in a long time.

We are in the middle of one of the biggest generational divides in decades, if not longer. This includes the Jewish community, which is internally divided in so many ways. There is no consensus on issues like Israel, intermarriage, race, gender identity, good financial practices and the role of institutions such as synagogues, schools and federations. There are very few good conversations between people. There is a lot of blaming and yelling, but not a lot of talking.

The Purpose of the Passover seder is to create peace between generations.

It allows us to sit together, to question, to answer, and to listen. The goal is not to agree with each other, but to make room for each other. We put aside our egos and take a genuine interest in each other.

Here are four questions for your Seder to help with the conversation:

1-Who do you think are today’s liberators, our Moses, Aaron and Miriam, and who do you think are today’s oppressors, our Pharoah?

2-What makes a country into an Egypt and what can turn it into a Promised Land?

3-For the older generation, what would the child you were ask the adult you are today? For the younger generation, what will you ask the older person you will become?

4-When have you been wise, when have you been difficult, when have you been confused, and when have you been silent?

Ruth and I and our family wish you a very sweet and happy Pesach.