April 5, 2018 – Pesach

This week’s d’var Torah is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, who was assassinated 50 years ago today. Just as we recall our struggle for freedom 3,300 years ago, we should recall those who have struggled for freedom in modern times.

Dear Scouts,

I hope you had a wonderful time at your seders.

The Haggadah is an interesting book, filled with both questions and answers that lead to more questions. This somewhat confusing construction is intended to make us curious about the story of the Exodus, the ways in which we celebrate it, and the deeper significance of both. The point of raising our curiosity is to cause us to ask even more questions. Which raises a good question: Why do we want to raise questions?

One reason we want to raise questions is because that is a good way to learn things. You may get an answer to your question that gives you good information. Or you may continue to ask questions, until you understand.

Another reason we raise questions is as a reminder of our freedom. Slaves do not have the freedom to question their masters, they only take orders. Free people get to ask questions. One of my college professors taught that the person asking the questions is the one who gets to frame the conversation – that’s a lot of power.

Now that you’ve had some practice at the seders, go ask more good questions!

Shabbat shalom and chag sameach,

Nelson