On Pesach (Passover), Jews are commanded to tell the story of the Exodus. This telling has (at least) three major functions. First, it is a remembrance: we remember the Exodus as it happened to our ancestors (mythologically if not historically), as we read, "My father was a fugitive Aramean." Second, we place ourselves into the Exodus from Egypt, as it is said: In every generation, each [Jewish] person must see hirself as though ze came out from Egypt. And third, Pesach is a recognition that slavery exists in our own time and a petition based on our hope that one day, everyone will be redeemed.
This passage from past to present to future (or possibly combination of the three) is part of what makes the Seder such a compelling family occasion. The juxtaposition of reclining during the meal with the eating of matzah, the bread of affliction, shows the mix of our joy in redemption and our remembrance of slavery and the Exodus.
Next year may we all be free!
