This year’s Passover festivities are taking on a new meaning as the ongoing Israel-Hamas war casts a shadow on the holiday. For many in Manitoba’s Jewish community, the conflict has given the holiday a sense of renewed significance.
“Passover is a holiday about freedom,” said Rena Secter Elbaze, the executive director of Congregation Shaarey Zedek. The holiday, which is celebrated from April 22 to April 30 this year, commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. It is typically marked by symbolic dishes and displays.
“On the Seder plate, we always have an egg, the symbol of life. We have the bitter herbs with the horseradish which are a symbol of the bitterness of slavery,” Secter Elbaze said.
At Secter Elbaze’s Passover table this year, there will be an extra seat. “There is an empty chair for the hostages who won’t be with their families because there are still hostages that haven’t been freed,” she said. On Oct. 7, Hamas militants attacked Israel and abducted more than 250 people. According to Israel’s data, over a hundred hostages have yet to return home.
“They’ll definitely be on the minds of everyone,” said Jewish Federation CEO Jeff Lieberman. At the Asper Jewish Community Campus, an empty Passover table serves as a solemn reminder of their absence. “To have all of our chairs being empty it just shows how…you know, ‘Let my people go,’ how important that is and to please let our hostages go,” Lieberman said.
The rise of anti-Semitism is also weighing on the minds of the Jewish community. “It’s not as joyful as usual,” said Secter Elbaze. “Everything is a little bit unsettled and uneasy.”
Despite the challenges, there is a strong sense of community and support at Bernstein’s Deli this Passover. “We’re seeing about the same as what we used to see before the pandemic, potentially even a bit more business,” said owner Aaron Bernstein.
Secter Elbaze said she hopes this support will set a positive tone for the holiday season. “We hope that this Seder will be the start of new things and about a new season and a new moment for our community,” she said.
For those looking to participate in the Passover festivities, Secter Elbaze said Congregation Shaarey Zedek will hold an interfaith Seder celebration that is open to everyone. Those who are interested can contact the Synagogue directly.
