PESSAH EN TEMPS DE GUERRE : COMMENT GARDER L’ESPOIR ?
·14 min·1 clip
A rabbi in Nazi-occupied Lithuania refused escape to stay with his community, facing deportation to Auschwitz.
The episode begins with the host introducing the topic of celebrating Passover in the context of the ongoing war in Israel. Guest Raoul Spieber joins to discuss how the holiday of freedom can be observed during periods of crisis. Raoul notes that questions about celebrating during hardship have arisen frequently in recent years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the October 7th attacks. He explains a fundamental Jewish rule: not to let momentary difficulties overshadow celebrations. Raoul provides a historical example, stating that the Nazis planned the Warsaw Ghetto uprising for the first day of Passover because they knew Jews would gather for the Seder, showing the holiday's deep communal importance. He emphasizes that Jews should acknowledge pain and pray for peace but still celebrate. Raoul then delves into a story about Rabbi Ephraim Oshry, the Dayan of Kovno, during World War II. Oshry refused offers to be rescued from the Nazis, arguing that giving money to them would strengthen their destructive power and that he could not abandon his community in need. He was eventually deported to Auschwitz but continued to answer questions of Jewish law, which he compiled in a work called 'She'elot u-Teshuvot mi-Ma'amakim'. Raoul recounts one specific question from the ghetto about reciting a morning blessing that mentions not being a slave, when the people felt enslaved. Oshry cited the Maharal's teaching that while nations can inflict suffering, they cannot take away Jewish spiritual freedom because Jews belong to God, not to any human master. Raoul expands this into a broader lesson: true freedom is refusing to be what others want you to be, a principle applicable to current crises like war alerts and societal pressures, including on children in schools. He connects this to resilience in Jewish life, where security constraints are respected but life and celebration continue, such as preparing Passover meals. The host asks for one key Passover teaching in the current context. Raoul stresses that Passover must be 'Sameach' (joyful), not just 'Kasher' (ritually correct), citing Rabbi Amital. He describes the Seder as a moment of elevated joy that reinforces the feeling of Israel's election—not as privilege but as freedom and responsibility. The episode ends with blessings for a happy Passover and victory for Israel.
