Gaza hostages raise painful reminders as Jews prepare for Passover
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Our Part in the Journey to Freedom: A Passover Call to Action
My vivid Passover memories from childhood have stayed with me through my entire life, inspiring me to fight for freedom and dignity for all people, everywhere. When I was growing up, our whole family looked forward to celebrating Passover with each other. We would cram together—at least 30 people—at my aunt and uncle’s small apartment …
Read MorePassover, the ultimate refugee holiday, ties ancient Jews to modern struggles
As Jews in South Jersey and worldwide do without chametz to celebrate Passover, the plight of modern refugees is on the minds of many Passover, after all, is the ultimate refugee holiday. Every year we retell the ancient story of our flight from oppression, reciting the words “Arami Oved Avi,” sometimes translated as “My father …
Read MoreRichmond Jewish congregation welcomes refugees to Passover ritual
They lit candles, praying that those suffering around the world find light in the darkness. Dipping karpas into salt water, they saw the tears of all who suffer injustice. Abdul Jalal Hashimi then watched the congregants of Temple Beth-El in Richmond break the matzah, the bread of affliction, symbolizing the deep brokenness in the world …
Read MoreWhy add a banana to the Passover table?
Next week, between 150 and 200 people will gather for a Passover seder at Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Va. When the traditional Passover question is posed — “Why is this night different from all other nights?” — there’s a new answer. Guests at the Seder, co-sponsored by the refugee aid agency ReEstablish Richmond, will include …
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