THE SHAPE OF THE MATZAH

The Lubavitcher Rebbe cited the well-known explanation that the three pieces of matzah placed on the Seder table correspond to the three distinct segments that make up the Jewish people: Kohen, Levi and Yisrael. The Rebbe added that the acronym comprised of the first letters of each word spells out the word KLI, which means ‘vessel’ in Hebrew. This teaches that every Jew must endeavor to be a vessel, a repository filled with sanctity and kindness.

The Rebbe shared his unique practice of choosing pieces of matzah for the Seder that were not completely flat, but pieces that, in some measure, were bowl shaped, so that they resemble a receptacle. The matzah signifies that we must fashion our own lives in such a way so that they are brimming with benevolence and generosity. We are to be givers. (Haggadah Shel Pesach of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, p. 32)

Troubling times abound. We feel besieged by hordes espousing hatred. But as a people we know how to respond. We reach even deeper into our reservoirs of faith. Every Jew, Kohen, Levi, Yisrael, must continue to contribute, each in their own way, to bring light to this darkness. We must continue to uplift one another and widen the path towards a better future. We continue to pray to G-d for comfort and for salvation.