Plate 27. Hatikvah

The ketubbah, Jewish marriage contract, is an appropriate connection to Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem, and the conclusion of the seder. Just as the ketubbah attests to the covenant between the bride and bridegroom, so is the seder experience a reminder of the lasting relationship between God and the Jewish people. Just as a couple expresses their love by telling and retelling their story of finding each other, so too do God and the Israelites relate yearly their narrative of discovery and love. Moreover, Hatikvah means hope. Over the course of this special evening, we have expressed a hope for ourselves, our community, our nation, and our world. Now our hearts and minds turn to the Jewish homeland as we recognize and celebrate the miracle of modern day Israel.