Every synagogue in the world faces Jerusalem. In prayer-- whether in a synagogue, at home, or in an open meadow--every Jewish heart is directed towards Jerusalem. As the ne'ilah service draws to a close at the conclusion of Yom Kippur, congregations the world over proclaim, "Next year in Jerusalem." Every groom breaks a glass under the chuppah, and for a moment, all thoughts are on Jerusalem. And again tonight. In the waning moments of the Seder, every Jewish family prays--Next year in Jerusalem.

The name Jerusalem means "city of peace". Peace, shalom, is not merely the absence of conflict. Neither is it a utilitarian notion of cooperation and coexistence. Peace is the seamless harmony of individuals genuinely embracing a common vision. Not that each becomes lost in some faceless wave of the masses, but that each aspires to lend the beauty of his or her potential to the realization of a transcendent mission.

With nirtzah, with our eyes on the city of peace, we have come full circle. The pieces of our Passover puzzle are now in place. Where each had been part light, part penumbra, this vagueness has now given way to a brilliant singularity of vision. That our freedom be directed towards the imminence of Jerusalem--the imminence of peace.

Way back at urechatz we were transported to Jerusalem of old. It was then that we heard the words "every goal must precede itself in thought." Jerusalem is our goal. That the wisdom and way of Jewish life should work to liberate the potential of every Jew, of the Jewish nation, and thus to transform the landscape of history. That somehow the intimate relationship of one lonely people to G-d should bear the fruits of spiritual symphony.

The fruit of freedom is peace. Peace of mind. Peace of body and soul. Peace within us, and so too, between us.

Next year in Jerusalem!

Back to "Passover Puzzle" - Main Page