About the "Seder of Safe Return"
USCJ has hosted TheBrave, a listserv for families of Jewish active duty military, since the winter of 2003. As Pesach approached, with loved ones far from home and many in harms way, members of TheBrave talked about the emotional collision of pride, fear and the themes of the holiday.
Operation Iraqi Freedom provided the impetus for creating a meaningful welcome home ceremony, but with 20,000 Jews serving in the United States' military, there will be homecomings from peacekeeping, from surveillance, from bases and seas around the world during this year of war. This "Seder of Safe Return" speaks to the nobility of their mission within the context of our people's story of freedom; it acknowledges our gratitude for their efforts and for their safe return just as the Pesach seder centers on our gratitude for redemption.
We hope that the welcome home celebration for your loved one will be deepened and made truly meaningful by using the "Seder of Safe Return". It is offered with pride in your loved one's commitment to the highest ideals of our nation and in honor of the bravery of their families.
