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Exile

The attraction of prayers

I went for Seder to good friends in Brooklyn. Non-Jews outnumbered Jews by approximately four to one.
Most of the prayers were skipped and the prayers that were being recited were being recited in English. (One of the main attractions of prayers when I was still more or less observant was the incomprehensibility of what was actually being said.)
At a certain point the host asked if I could remember the meaning of the word “Seder”? I could not remember the correct answer, which put me to shame. (The answer is: order.)
Later the Baal Shem Tov was being discussed, who apparently had said: “The truth is always in exile.”


8 comments Last_comment
Dominus Vobiskop.
Laura and I celebrated Pesach in Toronto with her uncle Richard and his family. Richard added to the list of ten plagues the name of their contractor, who wrecked rather than fixed the house that they recently moved into.

Uncle Richard is an avid singer and by far the most fluent speaker of Hebrew in Laura's family. Many years ago, he recorded the Seder songs for Laura's parents. At home, Laura's dad, who is not such a great singer, would interrupt his Seder reading to press play on tape.
Oscar W
All this makes me wonder when I will be part of Laura's family.
Arnon
We consider you part of our extended family.
Oscar W
Thanks! But does Richard know about me as a family member?
Arnon
I'm afraid that uncle Richard is currently not aware of your existence.
Would you be interested in celebrating Pesach with us next year?
oscar
Yes, very much.
Arnon
We will do our best to arrange this.
Incidentally, we haven't heard from your Godson and his mother in a while.