Passover: A Time of Reflection, Resilience, and Universal Hope

Photo by Tim de Groot on Unsplash

As the sun begins to set on Monday, April 22, 2024, Jewish communities around the globe will usher in Passover, an annual observance marked by joy, hope, and the retelling of the powerful story of the Exodus. The Passover narrative is a powerful reminder of liberation from bondage, urging each generation to reflect on their resilience in the face of adversity.

During the Passover Seder, the question "Ma Nishtanah Halailah Hazeh? Why is this night different?" encapsulates the essence of the celebration. It invites participants to consider not just the historical significance of Passover but also its relevance in contemporary contexts. As I write this, my mind drifts back to Passover 2021 amidst the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the question, Why is this night different? took on a deeper meaning as we lived through a modern plague that affected all of humanity. And through it all we continued our Passover celebrations, highlighting the enduring spirit of the Jewish people even in times of global crisis.

Yet, the shadow of recent tragedies looms large over this year's Passover celebrations. heartache from the events of October 7th—marked by violent attacks that claimed lives and left communities reeling—are far from healed. Our hearts ache as we pray for the safe return of hostages and the recovery of all who have been scarred by these horrific acts. Concurrently, the catastrophic situation in Gaza, where people grapple with daily horrors and acute deprivation, demands our immediate compassion and action. The combined impact of these crises has understandably muted the joy typically associated with the greeting Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday). In this solemn moment, we are called to strike a delicate balance: honoring our pain while also embracing the promise of liberation that Passover commemorates.

Every Passover, we are commanded to recall the past and to tell the story of our people’s liberation from slavery in Egypt. As we tell the story, we are asked to imagine that we ourselves were once slaves in Egypt and now are free. As a Black woman in America, the history of slavery is much closer in our collective memory than Israelite bondage. I often think about my ancestors who were brought to this country as enslaved people. I imagine they found comfort in the biblical story of the Exodus; seeing themselves as the Israelite slaves and the slave owners as the Pharaoh. I also imagine them praying to God for freedom and never giving up hope.

Today, I carry the memories of people who were once enslaved. I hold on to our collective memory of our escape from slavery to freedom. And like my ancestors, I pray for the freedom of all who are enslaved, and I am hopeful that next year we will all be free.

As we approach Passover 2024, the question remains: How will your Seder reflect the timeless lessons of past Passovers and the unique circumstances of the present? In answering this, we not only honor Passover's heritage but also its capacity to bring hope and renewal in times of darkness.

Chag Sameach—may this Passover bring you joy, hope, and a celebration of freedom that resonates deeply within the current context.

"NEXT YEAR IN A WORLD OF PEACE AND FREEDOM."