How is this night different from all others?

 Passover begins this Saturday at sundown and so I thought this would be a good time to talk about the Passover question how is this night different from all others?

I attended many Seders when I was married to my first husband and oftentimes-- because I was a newcomer and perhaps the youngest at the table--I was asked to play the role of the child and read The Four Questions from the Maxwell House Coffee edition of the Haggadah. 

I have very fond memories of this time.  Yes, I enjoyed the family, friends and the food, as well as the ritual and the introduction to the Jewish religion.  However, I really enjoyed playing the part of the inquisitive child.

And, I still do.

As a creative person, I think it's important to embrace the role of the questioning child in your every day life.  Creative inspiration comes from curiosity and the willingness to ask questions; the desire to always learn more.

For those of us who are writers, this question: How is this night different from all others? is particularly relevant.  When we begin a story (or actually, any creative project) there is always the underlying questions:

How is this moment different?  

Why begin here and not there?  

What has happened just before this moment?

What happens after this moment?

Suppose this story is not told?  (Another way of asking, "what's at stake?"

Sometimes we call this the inciting incident, because something has happened that has brought us to this time when we are curious, we ask questions.  Something has happened to inspire change or celebration or switch our focus to one small but highly symbolic thing. 

This is how you open the creative heart.  Be a child.

And that's your creative assignment for this week.  

Oh, and also, here's a word for you:

                                                liberation 

Have fun!

Chag sameach!  Happy Festival!  

Love, Jamie