Dipping Twice
In honour of Refugee Shabbat we share a commentary on Enslavement and Redemption by Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann, from the HIAS/JCORE Passover Seder Supplement The Four Questions.
“Rabeinu Manoach, a 13th century French commentator, teaches that the two dippings in the seder are allusions to two dippings in the Exodus story. The first represents when Joseph’s brothers dipped his colorful coat into blood to pass off their brother for dead. That action was the catalyst that led Joseph to Egypt and eventually the Israelites to enslavement. The second represents the commandment to the Israelites to take hyssop, dip it into lamb’s blood, and place it on their doorposts for God to pass over and set our people on the path toward redemption.
The first dipping reminds us not only of slavery’s bitterness but of the tragic consequences when human beings act with contempt. As we speak, politicians pedal in fear and fellow citizens look away as immigrants are ripped from their families, imprisoned and deported. As we dip the first time, we acknowledge the pain and dehumanization engendered by hatred and mistrust of our immigrant neighbours. In contrast, the second dipping reminds us of the courage of those who chose freedom and envisioned a better world despite all evidence to the contrary. As we dip a second time, we let our ancestors’ courage inspire our own so that we advocate, support, and show up for our immigrant neighbours today. We dip, committing to build a future in which all are free and treated with dignity”.
(From Why Is This Night Different?
HIAS-Passover-2026-Supplemental-Reading_Why-is-this-night-different-from-all-other-nights.pdf)
HIAS’ Refugee Shabbat is a powerful demonstration of the Jewish community’s support for and solidarity with refugees. That message is more important than ever as rising xenophobia threatens to undo decades of work to welcome refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants into our communities. For many, Refugee Shabbat is just one indicator of the work happening behind the scenes all year long to help refugees and immigrants, an annual reminder that welcome is central to Jewish values.
“At a time when governments have slammed doors shut in the face of people seeking protection and safety, Refugee Shabbat feels particularly powerful and poignant,” said Isabel Burton, HIAS’ Senior Director for Community Engagement. “Refugee Shabbat gives us an opportunity to celebrate the inspiring actions of Jewish communities around the world, who are stepping up to respond in real time to these new realities. Together, we honour that work, support each other, and stand with refugees who simply seek sanctuary and a fresh start.”
This year’s eighth annual Refugee Shabbat took place on March 13-14, 2026, with 300 Jewish communities and 144 individuals participating from around the world, including the United States, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
As we near Passover, join us for ‘Pesach with Purpose’ on the second night of the festival. Rather than a repetition of the night before, it’s an opportunity to dwell on some of the themes of this festival, discussing freedom and redemption in today's world, as well as instituting the ritual of the Shifra and Puah Awards for the first time: a chance to honour unsung people who have demonstrated strength in the face of tyrannies. The evening is for adults and children, with activities and fun for all age groups. Accompanied by songs and good food.
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Shabbat Shalom (and an early Chag Pesach Samach)
