By: Erik Gil, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
VINELAND, N.J. – Members of the synagogue Beth Israel Congregation in Vineland came together to commemorate the end of the Passover holiday on Saturday, April 19, celebrating eight days and eight nights of the holiday. Reading from their Siddur Hadash prayer book, members chanted prayers of praise to celebrate this holiday that is special to them.
Passover, or Pesah in Hebrew, is a week-long commemoration that represents the liberation of the Israelites coming out of bondage and into freedom. It is the most important holiday in Jewish tradition, reflecting the foundational moments in Jewish history. For that reason, Jewish people around the world take this time to be around family, have sedars, including matzah, and pray, reflecting on what Passover means for them.
Rabbi Abbi Michaleski led the Passover service, explaining the accounts of the Jewish people with prayers and the importance of their Jewish heritage and tradition. During the service, congregants were asked to reflect on this Passover and observe what it meant for them specifically.
“Passover is the beginning of Jewish peoplehood,” Rabbi Michaleski said. “Past events can teach us that change can happen. Moving from oppression to freedom and showing that transformation can happen. Hope for freedom and change and to celebrate that.”
For those who are not of the Jewish faith, Passover can represent themes of inclusivity, compassion for those who are oppressed, and dealing with the change that life brings. For the Jewish community, being together in times of holidays or other meaningful moments has deepened their faith and to keep pressing forward.
Susan Kutner, a Beth Israel congregant, explained the significance of Passover for her and shares the joys of the holiday.
“We are instructed to tell our children from generation to generation what happened in Egypt. Remembering Moses taking us and God delivering us out of slavery. Now, celebrate with family and friends the liberation of being free today,” said Kutner.
Passover involves different elements for historical, spiritual, agricultural, and religious reflection. It is tied to the foundations of the faith, involves an emotional journey from oppression to liberation, connects to the past, involves the changing of seasons, and observes the inception of Judaism.
Marc Levin, another member of the synagogue, said that Passover is a way to honor those who came before him.
“I celebrate to remember my ancestors, people who had to be fortified to stay alive. They give me hope and that there will always be hope,” said Levin.
As Passover concluded, the Jewish communities look onto hope for a better tomorrow. Celebrating holidays that provide peace no matter the circumstance, to encourage those around them to Shalom and peace in their lives.
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