Pesach

Pesach, or Passover, is one of the most beloved and widely observed festivals in the Jewish calendar. It tells the story of our ancestors’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and reminds us each year of the sacred call to pursue freedom, dignity, and justice—for ourselves and for all people.

At Temple Israel, we celebrate Pesach with warmth, song, prayer, and inclusive community. The heart of the holiday at Temple Israel is our Communal Seder night— a powerful ritual meal filled with storytelling, symbolic foods, four cups of wine, and deep questions that connect generations. Together, we reflect on the journey from oppression to liberation, from narrowness to expansiveness.

As a Progressive Jewish community, we engage with the themes of Pesach in ways that are both traditional and relevant. We ask not only what happened then, but what is happening now—in our homes, in our country, and in the world.

During Pesach, we remove chametz (leaven) from our homes and diets as a spiritual practice, making space for renewal and awareness. We open our doors not just to Elijah, but to each other. And we celebrate with matzah, maror, and the sweetness of charoset—reminding us that even in struggle, we carry the promise of freedom forward.

Chag Pesach Sameach from all of us at Temple Israel!