“The exodus from Egypt occurs in every human being, in every era, in every year, and in every day.”
—Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
Last evening Cecile and I celebrated the second evening of Passover at our home with our son Jason, daughter Michelle, her husband Kyle, our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy, Kyle’s brother Chip, Kim and Al, Jason's dog Daisy and partner Alex who was able to join us later for dessert.
Lyla walked into our atrium, dressed in a colorful gown, her pink camera we gifted her hanging over her neck, hair in a bun, and holding a drawing she made for her Nonnie Cecile. Our hearts were filled with joy to have both her and Emmy bring the lightness of being into our family event. Tomorrow we get to do it all over again when we celebrate Easter at Kim and Al’s.
Michelle, Kim and Al brought flowers and gifts for the girls, and Jason and Chip brought wine and a plant. The appetizers and traditional Seder plate were set up in the Living room and dinner was set up buffet-style on our kitchen counter. We had lamb chops, salmon, asparagus, potatoes and salad.
Passover honors the freedom and Exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharoah Ramses ll. Before the ancient Jews fled Egypt, their firstborn children were “passed over” spared from death, thus the naming the holiday “Passover.”
As we celebrated and remembered the past, it was impossible not to think of the modern day Exodus taking place in Ukraine in real time where so many are being denied the opportunity to observe their most cherished Jewish holiday. According to Chabad, one of the largest Hasidic Jewish organizations in the world, tens of thousands of Ukrainian Jews have fled while 80% remain either unable to escape or wanting to stay close to their families. But, thanks to Chabad who has a close and wide network in Ukraine, and other groups including the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and the Jewish Federation of North America, “have mobilized to help Ukrainian Jews celebrate Passover wherever they have sought refuge. Chabad plans 52 public Seders welcoming about 9,000 people, according to Deepa Bharath of the Press-Telegram.
This does not include the tons of Passover food for refugees in Poland, Moldovia, Hungary, Romania, and Germany.
Happy Passover and Peace for the people and country of Ukraine!
