For the weeks leading up to Passover, we prepare to remove chametz from our lives. However, how do we prepare to bring chametz back into our lives? It happens suddenly. We say Havdalah, separating from holy or ordinary, and we run to the closest pizza shop.

The Shabbat after Pesach feels like it is missing something–we no longer recite Hallel and there is no extra Torah scroll.

We have achieved physical liberation from slavery in Egypt and yet our journey just begins.

On Monday evening, we begin a series of modern commemorations and celebrations.

First, we mark Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. With few survivors left, it is even more important to learn, to listen, and to teach the stories of modern enslavement and the gift of freedom.

It does not go unnoticed that while our family in Israel conducted their seder in shelters, as we concluded the holiday, the children returned to school.

As my cousin told me this morning, when they tuck their children in at night, they no longer say Laila Tov….instead, they say Laila Sheket, may it be a quiet night. As we enter Shabbat, we pray these same words, may the sheket lead to shalom, from quiet to peace.