The Jewish calendar marks this as a season of great significance, from Passover to the Season of Independence, encompassing Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day), and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). During this time, we come together with family and friends, reflecting on our shared celebrations and memories.

Passover, the Festival of Freedom, represents more than the liberation of the Jews from Egyptian slavery thousands of years ago. It symbolizes the enduring freedom of every Jew, in all times and places. This year, the situation in Israel is different from what the country has previously faced. As Israel grapples with an unprecedented crisis, we stand with her.

Our hearts are with Israel and with our Partnership 2Gether community, Yoav, during this difficult time. Many seder tables will have empty seats in memory of the victims of October 7, the hostages, and the soldiers who cannot return home for the holiday. As we observe Passover, we pray for the safe return of all hostages and the end of their cruel captivity under Hamas.

Passover teaches us to work toward making the world a more compassionate place. Thanks to people like you, we have been able to provide meaningful connections and involvement through innovative programs during this season. While doing so, we continue to strengthen our bonds with our extended family and assist our brothers and sisters in need, both locally and globally.

Passover transitions into the Season of Independence, beginning with Yom HaShoah. The Holocaust played a pivotal role in the creation of the modern Jewish State of Israel. On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel, stating: “The Nazi Holocaust, which engulfed millions of Jews in Europe, proved anew the urgency of the reestablishment of the Jewish State, which would solve the problem of Jewish homelessness by opening the gates to all Jews and lifting the Jewish people to equality in the family of nations.” 

A week later, on Wednesday, April 30, at 7 p.m., we will observe Yom HaZikaron, Israel Memorial Day. The existence of the modern State of Israel owes itself to the sacrifices and heroism of those who died in war and from unimaginable terrorism. This year, we will especially remember those killed in the October 7 massacre.

As Rabbi Professor David Hartman z”l of the Shalom Hartman Institute observed, the juxtaposition of Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) reveals the Israeli value system: moving from mourning to celebration reflects the deep connection between memory, history, and the hope for a better future. This year, however, the celebration of Israel’s Independence Day feels uncertain, as the focus remains on securing the release of hostages. It’s hard to imagine a celebratory mood in Israel.

Our tradition teaches that tzedek (justice) and mishpat (divine justice) require the protection of all. As American Jews, we pray for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war and encourage a stable resolution, one that remains true to the democratic ideals on which the State of Israel was founded.

The events in Israel today serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of global Jewry and the interconnectedness of the Jewish world. It is also a reminder to us within our own community that our strength lies in our unity. We are at our most vulnerable when we are divided.

Let the celebration of Israel at 77 be a day of thanksgiving and hope.

Wishing you and your families a zissen Pesach and a meaningful Chag Ha’Atzmaut! We look forward to seeing you at our community events. 

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