In the year 2448 to creation, one of the most important mitzvahs given to us by the Torah is the mitzvah of saying over the story of our Egyptian exile and redemption on the 15th night of the month of Nissan. In the book of Exodus, Parashat Bo (Chapter 12 Verses 14 to 20), this commandment in the Torah tells us that we must tell the story over every year to our children, friends and family.

Why must we specifically repeat the story of Passover every year? Year after year, after year we celebrate Passover and we make a Seder. Why the Seder? Why only a Seder on Passover, why not on the other holidays of Rosh Hashana, Succot, Shavuot? Aren’t they are all just as important?

Our Sages tell us (The Sefer HaChinuch) that the reason behind the mitzvah is that by speaking out the open miracles that Hashem did throughout the redemption (this in fact was our first holocaust which lasted for over 400 years), we are relaying how G-d changed the natural order of Nature to impress upon the whole world that he did indeed exist and that there is no other G-d but him! He alone created this world for us to live in and gave us the Torah as a guidebook of rules.

Just like every manufacturer provides a guidebook or manual of how to use and operate its product, so did G-d he gave us a guidebook and manual of how to live and conduct ourselves in his world.

Yes, all of the other holidays are just as important; however, by re-telling the story of our first redemption each year at the Passover Seder, we continue to publicize the miracles and wonders that our forefathers and the 20 million people who decided to follow Moses to Eretz Yisrael witnessed first hand. The Torah gives us the obligation to retell these awesome miracles to our children and grandchildren. This is why we have a Seder, and that is why we must repeat the story. We must never forget the miracles G-d bestowed upon us.

When we vow never to forget, we strengthen our belief that G-d runs the world and controls everything that happens. It is imperative that we convey these miracles to our children and grandchildren as they are the link to continuing Our Story, ensuring that it is never forgotten. Obviously, even if there are no young children at the table, all those present have a mitzvah to ask each other questions and learn more about the story of the Jewish Exodus from Egypt.

May Hasham make this year the Year of Wonder and bring the ultimate redemption with Mashaich Tzdikayno

Amen

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