But what's happening on high?
Well, according to a beautiful passage in the Zohar (2:40b-41a), the foundational text of Jewish mysticism, God isn't just observing. God's hosting a celestial Seder of sorts!
The Zohar tells us that on Passover night, as Jews around the world read from the Haggadah – that little book that guides us through the story of the Exodus – God gathers all of Heaven together. Imagine the scene: angels, archangels, perhaps even a few righteous souls, all gathered around. And what does God say? "Come and listen to the recital of My praises as My children rejoice in their redemption from slavery in Egypt."
Think about that for a moment. God, the creator of the universe, is actively seeking to hear our praise. And not just any praise, but specifically the story of our liberation from slavery. All of heaven then assembles and hears Israel praise God for all the miracles He had performed.
Why? What's the point?
This is where it gets really interesting. Hearing these praises, God gains additional strength and power in the world above. That's right. Our words, our stories, our expressions of gratitude, actually empower the Divine. The Zohar emphasizes that the children of Israel give strength to their Master, and His glory is exalted on high.
It's a deeply Kabbalistic concept, this idea of mutuality. It's not a one-way street. God doesn't just benefit Israel; Israel's praise and prayers benefit God. As we find in Midrash Rabbah, this reciprocal relationship is a cornerstone of Jewish thought.
That's why, according to this myth, it's so important to narrate the miracles and speak in God's presence of all He has done. These words aren't just empty sounds. They ascend, and the celestial house takes note of them, and God's glory is exalted both above and below. It becomes a divine echo.
And notice something crucial about the Haggadah itself. It gives the credit for the Exodus to God, only mentioning Moses once! It's all about divine intervention, about recognizing the hand of God in our liberation. It is a requirement on Passover to read from the Haggadah, which narrates the Exodus from Egyptian slavery.
So, this Passover, as you're sitting around the table, reciting the story, remember that you're not just fulfilling a commandment. You're not just keeping tradition alive. You're actively participating in a cosmic event. You're strengthening the Divine.
What a powerful thought, right? That our voices, raised in gratitude and remembrance, can actually make a difference in the grand scheme of things. Maybe that's the deepest meaning of Passover: not just remembering the past, but shaping the future, together with God.