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Rabbi Yehuda {Leonard} Blank MS, BCC
Vice President of Professional Development and External Affairs
Chair of the Chaplaincy Commission
Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim
917-446-2126 rablenblank@gmail.com,
**March 26, 2026, 8, Nissan, 5786**
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The Passover Seder, a time to observe the traditions with our senses; sight, hearing, touch, hearing, and smell. We see the various items at the Seder table, we listen to the words and the songs of the Haggadah, we touch the various items on the Seder plate and the salt water and we smell the strong bitter herbs, the maror. I only mentioned some of the symbolic items of the Seder but the essence is to experience through action and not just by reading the Haggadah or discussing about the Seder. We have to feel and taste the bitterness the Jewish people experienced during their slavery, the freedom and how G took them out of slavery, through the shank bone, the reclining, the four cups of wine, the matzos, the bitter herbs, the salt water etc. The Seder takes us back centuries ago feeling the pain and anguish of their slavery and the feelings of joy and celebration of their freedom. Passover is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays throughout the world.
Perhaps we can say it is a time to understand empathy, to feel the pain, the anguish, the suffering, of those going through their challenging and tough times. We are to feel what he/she might be experiencing and not just to discuss a person’s difficulties. A person might be going through a difficult time due to certain medical treatments, fear of the unknown, chronic pain, marital situations, emotional and mental health related challenges. A person might be going through problematic legal situations, loss of income, and other situations which might seem grim and arduous at times in his or her life. There is also the issue of loneliness or the feelings of emptiness in one’s life including the loss of a loved one. On the other hand, it is also important to share the joy of meaningful and positive outcomes and happy celebrations. It is important to show and understand the feelings of another.
“What Is Empathy? By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Updated on February 17, 2026 Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW.
Therapy Techniques and Options Verywell mind htt://www.verywellmind.com
Empathy helps us understand others and builds stronger relationships.
- Cognitive biases, dehumanization, and victim-blaming can affect a person’s ability to feel empathy.
- Listening well and putting yourself in another’s shoes are ways to practice empathy.
Empathy is the ability to emotionally understand what other people feel, see things from their point of view, and imagine yourself in their place. Essentially, it is putting yourself in someone else’s position and feeling what they are feeling. Empathizing with others is essential for healthy relationships and communication, enabling us to show kindness and build trust.
The Main Types of Empathy
Empathy can come in different forms, depending on the situation. Some of the different types of empathy that you might experience are:
- Affective empathy involves the ability to understand another person’s emotions and respond appropriately. Such emotional understanding may lead to concern for another person’s well-being or to feelings of personal distress.
- Somatic empathy involves having a physical reaction in response to what someone else is experiencing. People sometimes physically experience what another person is feeling. When you see someone else feeling embarrassed, for example, you might blush or get an upset stomach.
- Cognitive empathy involves understanding another person’s mental state and what they might be thinking in response to a situation. This relates to what psychologists call the theory of mind, or thinking about what other people are thinking.”
Link to Rabbi Dr. Twerski on Empathy.
Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski speaks about empathy
Rabbi Dr. Twerski on Empathy
Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski has been a prominent figure in discussions about empathy, particularly in his role as a psychiatrist and author. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, which he defines as the ability to see things from the other person’s perspective. This understanding of empathy is a significant aspect of his teachings and is reflected in his writings and lectures. Twerski’s approach to empathy is rooted in his belief in the power of self-awareness and the importance of recognizing and developing one’s own strengths and desires. He encourages individuals to focus on what they can give to others, rather than just what they receive, which aligns with the essence of empathy.
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May we be zocheh to truly welcome Eliyahu HaNavi
announcing the coming of Mashiach.
“Chag Kasher v’sameach”
“Have a Kosher and Happy Holiday.”
Sincerely, Rabbi Yehuda Blank
Please Note : The next article will be after Passover