4-21-2024 11:07pm

Passover 2024: A Celebration of Resilience and Unity

D Cherry Editor

*By Microsoft Copilot

I asked CoPilot to write about Passover for this article since the most important night of Passover begins close to sunset today.

Passover, (also known as Pesach), is a significant Jewish (and some Christians’ holiday) that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is also a time of reflection, gratitude, and hope.

The Story of Passover

The story of Passover dates back thousands of years. According to Jewish tradition, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt under the harsh rule of Pharaoh. Moses, guided by divine intervention, led the people out of bondage.

*The Israelites were told that the angel of death would scour the length and breadth of the land that very night. They were instructed to take a lamb, a young, unblemished lamb, and kill it, then to take its blood and smear it over the lintel and doorposts of their homes.

Moses assured them that all those whose homes were covered by the blood of the lamb would be spared the stroke of the angel’s sword. The blood of the lamb would cause the angel to “pass over” them and not destroy their first born child by death.

This would be the first Passover as death” passed “ over all of the homes marked by the blood of the lamb. (When Jesus came later in the New Testament, which is not part of the Jewish belief but Christians believe that Jesus became “The Lamb of God” so there would never again be any more need for humans to find and sacrifice an unblemished lamb for the remission of their sins). * (inserted note)

The exodus from Egypt was marked by miraculous events, including the parting of the Red Sea, which allowed the Israelites to escape safely.

The Seder: A Symbolic Feast

At the heart of Passover is the Seder, a festive meal held on the first two nights of the holiday. Families gather around the table, retelling the story of the exodus through a series of rituals, prayers, and symbolic foods. Here are some key elements of the Seder:

Matzah (Unleavened Bread): Matzah represents the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt. It is a flat, unleavened bread that serves as a reminder of their journey.
Maror (Bitter Herbs): Bitter herbs symbolize the bitterness of slavery. Horseradish or lettuce is eaten to evoke the hardships endured by the Israelites.
Charoset: A sweet mixture of apples, nuts, and wine, charoset represents the mortar used by the Israelites to build structures in Egypt.
Four Cups of Wine: Each cup corresponds to a promise made by God: redemption, deliverance, redemption, and acceptance.

2024: A Year of Challenges and Hope

In 2024, Passover arrives amidst complex challenges faced by Israel. It’s a year marked by resilience and unity:

Resilience: Whether it’s combating anti-Semitism, advocating for justice, or supporting humanitarian efforts, resilience remains at the core.
Unity: Passover reminds us of shared history and interconnectedness. Many people around the world come together to celebrate freedom, emphasizing the importance of unity in times of struggle.
Compassion: As we recognize the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, our hearts go out to those affected by this war and upheavals, and we are hopeful for peaceful solutions. Passover teaches us compassion and empathy, urging us to extend kindness to all, regardless of their circumstances.

A Call for Freedom

As Passover is celebrated, let us all reflect on the value of freedom. Both Israel and Palestine deserve to be free to live on their lands. But it is not only about physical liberation but also about breaking free from personal limitations, prejudices, and fears. Passover encourages us to seek justice, compassion, and empathy for all.