Beth El of Lancaster
(717) 581-7891
office@tbelancaster.org
MENUMENU
  • Welcome
    • About Temple Beth El

      • Welcome!
      • Re-Opening Guidelines
      • Membership
      • Mission, Vision & History
      • Our Facility
      • Bulletin
      • Our Holocaust Torah
    • Leadership & Staff

      • Meet Our Rabbis
        • Rabbi’s Corner
  • Service & Community
    • SERVICE & COMMUNITY

      • Committees
      • Sisterhood
      • Men’s Club
      • Youth Group (USY/Kadima)
      • Chesed Committee
      • Community Events
  • Worship & Torah Thoughts
    • Shabbat & Holidays

      • Torah Thoughts
      • Worship at Temple Beth El
      • Religious Services
      • Candlelighting Times
      • High Holiday Services
      • Members Only
  • Learning at TBE
    • LIFE LONG LEARNING

      • Temple Beth El Religious School
      • Adult Education
      • Beth Pomerantz Education Series
  • Support Us
    • SUPPORT US

      • Opportunities For Giving
      • Temple Beth El Lancaster Secure Payment & Donation Page
      • Membership
      • Endowment/Fund for the Future
  • Judaica Shop
  • Contact Us
    • CONTACT US

      • Contact Us
      • Locate Us and Directions

Torah Thoughts: 8th Day of Pesach – Shabbat 5782

Posted on April 21, 2022

The Steps of the Seder as Accomplishments for our Lives

B”H

Rabbi Daniela Szuster

Some days or even weeks before Pesach we are very excited about getting ready for the Sedarim. We need to think about guests, meals, the cleaning, the shopping, the cooking, etc. In contrast to other Jewish festivals, we are very busy the days before Pesach. All of a sudden, we celebrate the two Sedarim and all the “magic” and excitement of the festival seem to go away. Pesach lasts eight days and not only the first two nights. However, even though we still continue eating matzah and having special meals, services, during Yom Tov of Pesach and Shabbat; there is a feeling that something is missing.

It is true that the Seder with its fourteen steps is designed only for the Sedarim. However, I believe that the structure of the Seder with its steps teach us a lesson not only for the first two nights but for the rest days of Pesach and the rest of the year in general. Each step shows us a journey for searching for meaningful and beautiful accomplishments we should look for in our lives.

Rabbi Uriel Romano, an Argentinian rabbi who was ordained by the Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano, wrote this year “Kavanot for the Seder Steps.”  I found these kavanot very meaningful and inspiring. They can be used as a guide not only for Pesach but for the rest of the days of Pesach and for the rest of the year. It contains relevant, spiritual, and important accomplishments we should look for during our lives.  

During the last days of Pesach, when we feel that something is missing, we can take it as an opportunity of reflecting on our lives. Therefore, I would like to share with you these Kavanot. I added between breaks the meaning of each step.

I hope you enjoy this text, and find it as inspiring as I did!

Kavanot for the Seder Steps

By Rabbi Uriel Romano

1. Kadesh (Kiddush) -To a life of sanctity.

2. Urchatz (Washing of the hands) -To a life of purity.

3. Karpas (Spring Vegetables) -To a life of renewal.

4. Yachatz (Breaking of the Matzah) -To a life of sharing.

5. Maggid (Narrate) -To a life full of stories.

6. Rochtzah (Washing of the hands with blessings) -To the source of life.

7. Motzi/Matzah (Eating Matzah) -To a life full of flavor and sustenance.

8. Maror (Bitter Herbs) -To learn how to deal with bitterness in our lives.

9. Korech (Hillel Sandwich)-To accept the complexity of life.

10.Shulchan Orech (Meal)– To the shared meals and celebration of our life.

11.Tzafun (Searching for the Afikoman)– To find the hidden meaning of life.

12.Barech (Grace after Meals) – To a life full of blessings.

13.Hallel (Psalms of Praise)– To appreciate life like a song.

14.Nirtzah (Conclusion)– To never lose hope in life.

Shabbat shalom!

Pesach Sameach!

« Torah Thoughts: Pesach 5782
Torah Thoughts: Parashat Acharei Mot 5782 »

Calendar

Online Service Times

Friday Evening: 7:00 pm Saturday Morning: 10:00 am Sunday Minyan: 9:00 am

VISITORS & GUESTS
Due to the COVID - 19 Pandemic, the building is re-opening with strict guidelines.(CLICK ON LINK BELOW) We are still holding online services. If you wish to attend an online service you will need to contact the Office by email at office@tbelancaster.org at least 24 hours in advance for instructions. You will need to pre register to receive ZOOM sign in information. READ OUR COVID RE-OPENING GUIDELINES HERE!

Temple Business Hours

Monday: Office closed Tuesday: Office closed Wednesday: Office closed Thursday: Office closed Friday: Office closed

The TBE Office is operating remotely. Please e-mail the office anytime at office@tbelancaster.org and Rich will get back to you.

Archives

Quick Links

  • United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
  • United Synagogue Youth (USY)
  • JCAL – Jewish Community Alliance of Lancaster
  • Jewish Family Services of Lancaster
  • PJ Library of Lancaster
  • Silver Academy, Harrisburg PA
  • Women’s League for Conservative Judaism
  • Mercaz USA: The Zionist Organization of the Conservative Movement
  • Contact Us
  • Locate Us and Directions
© Temple Beth El Lancaster