Passover: Creating Order in a World of Chaos

By Rabbi Ariel Platt

Passover begins at sundown on Saturday, April 12th, and ends at sundown on Sunday, April 20th. All the rituals and customs associated with the holiday, from clearing homes of chametz (leavened food), to having ritual meals (Seder), and eating a special diet, are all about creating a new time and space where Jews around the world place themselves in the footsteps of their ancestors. Passover is about truly experiencing the story of the Israelites from remembering their oppression as slaves, to celebrating the joys of freedom. 

In a world that often feels chaotic, the rituals of Passover offer a comforting sense of order. Passover officially begins with the ritual meal, the Seder, which literally means “Order” in Hebrew.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his commentary on the Haggadah (the traditional guide for the Seder), writes: “The word ‘Seder’ means ‘order’ and is central to the Jewish concept of freedom. We become ‘God’s partners in the work of creation’ when we create order in society—an order that honors all persons as the image of God… Order transforms individuals into a community, and communities into a people.”

The idea that freedom is the ability to shape reality is powerful. As partners with God, we not only shape our own lives but also impact others and the world through our actions. A single act of kindness or a day spent organizing can bring peace and renewal. Through these small, intentional acts, we begin to transform the world around us.

When life feels out of control, creating order can be both grounding and reassuring. As we partner with God in bringing order to the world, it’s important to start with ourselves. The Seder itself contains 15 steps—reminding us that order doesn’t happen all at once. It requires time, intention, and effort.

Over the next 8 days, consider four ways* you can bring order into your life. Remember, freedom is the ability to shape reality, and even the smallest actions can lead to profound change.

Chag Sameach! Happy Passover!

*Fun fact: 4 is a magic number in the Seder. During the Seder we drink 4 cups of wine, ask 4 specific questions about the customs of the Seder, and talk about the different learning styles of the 4 children to understand the story of Passover.