On of our journeys this 2025 to bring Shmurah Matzah to UAlbany faculty brought me to the bowels of UAlbany’s Life Science building, advanced labs working to eradicate one disease or another. One professor I visit each year explained the nature of his research, how important collaborations and conferences are to his work, and how shaky and uncertain research funding is at the moment – but hopefully will settle down soon.
PASSOVER IMPRINTING
He explained that there are diseases, especially one common one that he’s working on, that is greatly aggravated by the fact that the body insists on remembering it, it continues to be imprinted on cell DNA so that it builds up, one cell generation after another. Cells die out, and if the disease can weaken as the cells die that would be ideal, but this disease insists on imprinting itself, so that it is remembered and strengthened, one cell generation after another. When it comes to this disease, forgetfulness would be a blessing, and he’s devoted his years of research to that.
But think of the inverse when it comes to Passover! Imagine the dangers and risks of Judaism dying out and being forgotten when a generation passes on. Thankfully, Judaism and generation after generation of devout and dedicated Jews have persisted in imprinting the memory of Judaism, continuing its legacy and traditions, its mission and identity, furthering it onward even after that generation passes on.
Passover is a holiday that celebrates memory, it is celebrated in an inter-generational format, it imprints Judaism for generations to come – as long as we imprint it onward!
COLLABORATION IS KEY
This scientist is immersed in his lab, dedicated to his work, but was emphatic that now more than ever collaboration and conferences are essential to the success of his work. Success doesn’t sprout in a vacuum, one must be aware of other efforts and breakthroughs in the field, it takes multiple areas of expertise and perspectives to produce the desired results.
Judaism celebrates both the individual and the community. We are better together. Passover is a holiday meant to celebrate together with others. Even the Wise Son isn’t complete without the Wicked, Simple and One Who Doesn’t Know to Ask with him at the same table.
THE FUNDING PIECE
Research needs the support of funding to be able to properly all types of avenues, even the slim possibilities and unprofitable solutions. With the cuts and uncertainty they are facing, there’s more hesitancy and second-guessing and less likelihood to invest time, staff, resources without solid dependable backing.
Passover-wise, in a figurative sense: uncertainty can be a kill-joy. Don’t sit on the fence. Second-guessing takes the energy out. Jump in, immerse yourself! Questions are good, of course, especially on Passover, but lean-in, don’t zone out. Be part of it! Feel fully invested!
And also in a practical sense: Our work at Shabbos House also proceeds on stronger footing and more opportunities with better broad-based support. The funding provides the resources (especially with today’s high prices) to reach students (with varying degrees of success) in all types of methods and modalities, avenues, events and opportunities.