The juxtaposition of Israel’s Memorial Day and Independence Day is often seen as somewhat striking. Memorial Day is deeply somber, centered on visiting the graves of fallen soldiers and hearing their stories. Yet within hours, the mood shifts dramatically as Independence Day begins—a time filled with joy, celebration, and song.

While the decision to place these two days back-to-back was made by the government, the underlying concept can be found in the way Pesach itself is observed.

On Pesach, the duality of suffering and freedom is one of its central themes. The matzah we eat represents both the bread of affliction consumed........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)