Yesterday, I attended my son’s grade one school Passover Seder. For those of you who don’t know, a Seder is a Jewish ritual feast /meal that marks the beginning of Passover (our Easter, I guess you could say). Of course I was proud. Of course we were all there, with camera, and video camera, holding onto every word, every song with bated breath. And oh we were proud. The kids were over the top. Incredible. And while sitting in the synagogue, just before their “show,” some of the moms asked me where I was going for my two Seders/dinners next week. The women were talking about how they’d been cooking and preparing all week and how exhausted they are. And when I left the synagogue, I couldn’t help but reflect upon the conversation while on my way to Pilates class. By the way, I love this picture of “The White House Seder.”

Now please stay with me here. Most of us are born into a religion (unless you’re an atheist), with different customs and beliefs. Some are more devout and religious followers of their religion, others more conservative and reform in their traditions.  And while we all have different degrees of religiosity, I do understand why some people are devout believers and followers of their religions. In a big and scary world, religious customs and traditions provide a sense of comfort, order and security. It provides answers for many of life’s questions. I get it. With all of life’s hardships, and little children dying of cancer for no reason, for example, we are made to believe this suffering has a purpose, and perhaps a good place awaits our loved one in heaven. With the possibility of assimilation, keeping the tradition in one’s home keeps the continuity of religion alive, and allows it to be passed down from generation to generation. Personally, this is why I choose to follow Judaism. So that I can keep it alive and pass it on to my children.

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