— ‘Twas the Night Before Pesach . . .
Just for fun . . . I was walking my dog Tanaka around the storm basin in Cherry Hill NJ one year at the beginning of Passover and suddenly the following poem created itself . . . sure shows my multi-religious background, doesn’t it??? LOL!!!

‘Twas the Night Before Pesach
A Poem by Dr. Elizabeth Severino
with apologies to Clement Clarke Moore and
Inspiration from Judy Gross and Rabbi Yossi

‘Twas the night before Pesach, and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, except for the mouse.
The food was all baked in the kitchen with care
In trust that the Angel would pass o’er there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of matzo-balls danced in their heads.
Ima in her kerchief and Tati in his cap
Had just settled down for a long, spring nap.

When out in the kitchen, there arose such a clatter,
They sprang from their beds to see what was the matter!
Away to the kitchen they flew like a flash
While Passover dishes fell down and crashed.

The moon in the sky out the window that night
Gave a lustre of beauty that eased their fright.
Then what to their wondering eyes should appear,
But Elijah’s chariot, bringing the seer.

He blessed the herbs, the fish and the salt,
Approved that there was no butter or malt.
He spoke not a word, but sipped his wine,
Then spotted the afikoman, which made Tati whine.

Smiling, he noticed the books, all prepared,
Knowing the four questions everyone shares:
“When is it over?” “When do we eat?”
“May I have more wine?” “Can I please leave my seat?”

He blessed them with joy, turned in a flash,
Grabbed our atlas for Moses, threw open the sash.
We heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
“Happy Pesach to all, and to all, a good night!”

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