At festive Passover celebrations, Jewish people traditionally ask: “Why is this night different from all other nights.” This year, we’ll ask: “Why is this Passover different from all other Passovers?” In place of Seder tables packed with family and friends, most of us will dine alone—sitting down only with those who share the same domicile.

But Passover in a pandemic does call to mind an often-ignored aspect of the Exodus story. The Jewish people didn’t go from slavery to liberation the moment we left Egypt—first trekking 50 days to Sinai to receive The Law, with 40 more wilderness years after that before entering the promised land.

Today’s Americans face weeks, even months, of continued disruption before resuming normal life and our national mission to uplift the world. Celebrating Passover alone, my wife and I will recall that true liberation is never instantaneous, but part of a tough, ennobling process.

NOTE: Michael was on the air Thursday and Friday, the first two days of Passover, through the magic of pre-taped interviews and other materials. He’ll be back on LIVE this Monday.