Dear Friend,
Why will this Passover be different from all the others? I can think of a few reasons.
At a time when we look forward to coming together with family and friends, we find ourselves in isolation. On a holiday in which we celebrate liberation, many of us feel confined. And at a moment which should bring us joy, we may find it challenging to move past the anxiety for loved ones in Israel, the United States and around the world.
But even in a new age of social distancing, none of us face this challenge alone. More than any moment in history, we find that we’re all in this together -- and that goes for our J Street community as well, for all of us who are united by our shared values of peace, justice and solidarity.
In that spirit of community and unity, I want to invite you to join with us as we seek to live those values and prepare for a unique Passover this year:
- I also want to invite you to join J Street for a full, virtual seder on Sunday, April 12 at 4:00pm Eastern. Register here.
Whether you join our seder or host your own, you may want to think of using J Street’s 2020 Haggadah, available for download here. Our Haggadah approaches all of the core components of the Passover seder through the lens of J Street’s work and issues, and the inspiring advocacy of the broader Jewish social justice community.
Friend, while our celebrations may be markedly different this year than in the past, they also give cause to find new, special resonance in the themes and lessons of the holiday. A story which highlights the importance of solidarity and togetherness as we yearn for liberation and safety. A story which teaches us gratitude for good fortune, compassion for those less fortunate and the importance of persistence in the face of uncertainty.
At moments like these, we recognize the need to be here for each other and for our community. From our J Street family to yours, we’re wishing you a warm and meaningful Passover in these difficult times.
Shaina Wasserman
Director of Rabbinic and Community Engagement
