Community Corner
2014 Passover Message
Last night we Jews began our celebration of Pesach (Passover). This eight day holiday represents one of the oldest, if not the oldest, festival of the Israelite people. It coincides with other spring agricultural festivals and is also a celebration of national identity and the birth of a sovereign people.
Although the conditions and events leading to the release of the Israelites is well known as the Exodus, it is only secondary to the event bonding G-d and the Israelites to each other at Mount Sinai, that is the real event of the season.
Pesach brings families together, highlighted by the traditional Seder meal (ritual passover meal). From the way the table is ordered and set to the foods served, the Seder unites us with our ancestors and brings home the message of freedom and self determination under the guidance of HaShem. However, it is not a joyful celebration only, reminding us of the loss and sacrifice made by the Egyptians, who are also children of the Creator. It also gives us an opportunity to reflect on other social injustices that exist in today's world and to motivate us to work toward ending such.
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The final important factor is the hope of the future to replace strife with harmony and war with peace.
As I close this message; I want to extend a blessed holiday season to all and make a prayer for peace and ask all to join me in such a prayer.