Dedicated in memory of Laurie Berman "Whoever is hungry let them
come and eat, whoever is needy let them come and partake." The
Passover Seder begins with an invitation to those who are hungry
and needy. Hungry refers to physical sustenance, and needy
pertains to spiritual sustenance. The physical sustenance is
obvious - the matzah, wine, and delicious meal of the Seder.
What is meant by spiritual sustenance? It is nourishing our
soul's deep need for growth. This need sustains life in the
truest sense - not just physical existence, but life that is
meaningful and transcendent. Our soul is made in the image of
the perfect and infinite God. The soul seeks to actualize this
"image" by growing. Growth is the way we move the potential G-d-
like perfection waiting to be developed within us into reality.
When this potential reaches the actual we gain spiritual
sustenance. We grow through gaining wisdom How do we grow?
Through gaining wisdom on crucial life issues such as: What is
happiness? What is a good person? Wha