Seventh-Eighth Days of Passover

At this point in the season of our liberation, we may be feeling a bit logey. After all, most of us have eaten way too much meat, matzah,and chocolate-covered macaroons. But tomorrow, the seventh day of Passover, we recall the joyous abandon with which the Israelite women celebrated once our people had safely crossed the Yam Suf (Red Sea).

"Miriam, the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her in dance with timbrels. And Miriam chanted for them:

'Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously;

Horse and driver He has hurled into the sea.'"

On the 8th day (this year falling on Shabbat), we remember why we have done all this heavy eating in the first place:

"...you shall eat unleavened bread, bread of distress--for you departed from the land of Egypt hurriedly--so that you may remember the day of your departure from the land of Egypt as long as you live."

Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom!