PESACH: Dreams of freedom we can sustain together
FREEDOM. UNITY.
What do these words mean anymore after October 7 and the continued onslaught against our people? Or when we see our people already becoming divided, emotionally-charged and enraged by the issues we face in sustaining ourselves during war and confusion and waiting for our hostages to be returned?
Coming together to celebrate Jewish freedom this year seems even more poignant, even crucial.
Some will seek inspiration from the story of our ancient ancestors' journey into freedom. While others will draw from more recent miracles of our nation’s freedom and survival, from the Holocaust, through the re-establishment of the State of Israel, and beyond, before and after. Still others will focus more on the hardships of today, and discuss how to overcome them to carry our nation into the future.
But Passover is, at its core, a holiday of Jewish destiny - a reminder, each year, that we must never take our freedom for granted. However you choose to celebrate, this year there are ways you can bring to life the historical story while respecting the realities of today and the mourning, compassion, and hope that we are all clinging to as we pray for peace.
CHOOSE A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR YOUR PESACH SEDER:
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Many organizations and institutions have put out new Haggadah supplements and prayers to be added to your Pesach Seder. One that stood out to us is the Bringing the Hostages to Your Seder: Seder Supplement, but many others touch upon the longing we all feel to see ALL our people free, sitting and singing with their family.
We chose to highlight those rather than to add to the content overload everyone is feeling. The many haggadot and supplemental readings are just some of the ways you can deepen your Passover experience in a post-October 7 world.
Here are some ways you can honor the victims, the survivors, and our shared connection of the Jewish experience. Every effort can add meaning to this year’s journey of memory and freedom.
1 - Names and Prayers to Sustain our Spirit
Learn the names of the hostages - print, cut into strips, and give one name to each participant.
Have each person recite a personal prayer for each one, that they may have strength and courage in facing the tortures being imposed on them. Then learn/sing the prayer for hostages, and Acheinu - we are all brothers, the House of Israel.
RECITE A PRAYER FOR THE HOSTAGES
2 - Create Acheinu Art
Using the words of this powerful prayer, pour your soul into an artistic creation that you can keep as a memento of your feeling of connection during this difficult time for our people. Our expressions of unity are an important part of how we can spread love and share strength with one another, and empower our own hearts at the same time.
3 - Help make sure a soldier's family has food for Pesach
We are honored to be supporting YATAR, an elite volunteer reserve unit. These brave individuals risk their lives daily to save the lives of other soldiers. However, being away at war for so long has drastic ramifications: they are suffering financially, as their families struggle at home and their businesses struggle to stay afloat. Please join our efforts to support these soldiers as they support us.
SPONSOR A GUARDIAN OF ISRAEL GIFTCARD
4 - Create a personal Healing Hearts artwork
Those in Israel continue to suffer from the pain, despair and loss. Send us your personal artwork and message - by mail or as a digital file - and we will deliver it to someone whose heart will be lifted by your act of kindness.
SUBMIT NOW or CONTACT US for more information.
5 - Create your own Kite of Hope
Make the most of the nicer spring weather that Passover brings. Kites are a symbol of hope and freedom, and can be a way to express your personal dreams for our people. This is a great family activity that everyone can get involved in, as you fly your pride sky-high!
DONATE NOW TO SUPPORT CRUCIAL ISRAEL FOREVER PROGRAMMING AS WE STRENGTHEN JEWISH IDENTITY PEOPLEHOOD, AND PRIDE IN OUR NATION AND OUR HOMELAND