Results for: Passover

Rabbi Sanford D. Akselrad of Congregation Ner Tamid in Henderson, Nevada, emphasized the importance of universal freedom during a Passover Seder attended by about 250 people. The focus was on the hostages still held captive by Hamas terrorists in Israel, and an empty table with posters of the hostages served as a reminder of their absence. U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, a member of Congregation Ner Tamid, discussed efforts to bring the hostages home and provide aid to Gaza and Ukraine. The Seder took on a different meaning this year, with attendees acknowledging that true freedom could not be celebrated while hostages remained in captivity.

The latest book in the Maya Rimon series by Ellen Frankel, ‘The Deadly Scrolls,’ takes readers into the dark world of antisemitism and Russian conspiracies. Agent Rimon faces encounters with American white nationalists, Russian mobsters, and a series of bizarre murders connected to a Passover ritual. The novel’s opening incident, the discovery of a young Christian boy’s body outside a Jerusalem synagogue, sets the stage for a thrilling showdown at one of Israel’s most sacred sites.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea to demand the immediate release of abducted Israeli nationals. The protest coincided with the Jewish festival of Passover, which symbolizes liberation from slavery.

This Passover, Jews grappled with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, reflecting on the historical significance of liberation while acknowledging the suffering endured by both Israelis and Palestinians. Despite the presence of armed security, the first night of Passover was observed with both celebration and a sense of guilt over the plight of hostages held by Hamas.

This year’s Passover festivities are tinged with both somberness and hope as the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict weighs on the minds of Jewish communities worldwide. The holiday, which symbolizes freedom from slavery, has taken on a new significance, with empty chairs at Seder tables representing the abducted hostages still held captive. Despite the challenges, the community remains resolute in their support for those affected by the conflict and finds solace in the tradition’s message of freedom and hope.

Videos of Alina Habba, a lawyer for former President Trump, preparing a brisket for Passover have garnered widespread attention and mockery from critics who have seized on her cooking techniques as a means of further criticizing Habba and Trump. Habba, a Catholic, was seen assisting Siggy Flicker, an Israeli-American and staunch Trump supporter, in making the brisket for Passover Seder.

Over 100 Jewish Ukrainian refugees gathered for a special Passover celebration hosted by the Jewish Agency for Israel. The event held special significance as it marked more than two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and over six months since 133 hostages were taken captive by Hamas in Gaza. The refugees prayed for the hostages’ safe return and expressed gratitude for the Jewish Agency’s support in helping them maintain their traditions.

Passover is a time for sharing memories, traditions, and culinary delights. From Mary Shaked’s recollections of Iraqi Passover meals to Ora Hatan’s northern moshav traditions, we explore the diverse ways Passover is celebrated today. Ma’ayan Turner talks about using different symbols at the Seder table, like Miriam’s cup and an orange, to make it more meaningful. Yosef Bar Natan shares his childhood memories of Bukharan Seders, filled with colorful garments, singing, and laughter. While Passover is a time of joy and celebration, it’s a bittersweet time as we remember the 133 of our people still in captivity. By singing, telling stories, and passing down traditions, we keep the spirit of Passover alive and hope for a future where all of us can celebrate freedom.

Around the world, Jewish communities commemorated Passover with a focus on the ongoing captivity of hostages in Gaza and the mounting threat of Iran. The Conference of European Rabbis urged unity and solidarity, with communities adopting various initiatives to demonstrate their support.

Israeli families gathered at hostage memorial centers ahead of the Passover festival, marking Jewish freedom from slavery, while the fate of 130 hostages held in Gaza remains unknown. A mass grave of nearly 300 people was discovered in Khan Younis, casting a shadow over the joyous celebration.