This is the first day of the Jewish Pesach or Passover for 2024. Because Passover, like Easter, is tied to the full moon the dates vary from year to year and many years this Jewish festival coincides with Holy Week in the Christian calendar. Last year we were in Israel when Passover, Holy Week and Ramadan overlapped. Tonight is the full moon for Passover so the observance begins a month after Holy Week this year.
A lot has been written about how fraught and uncertain this Passover is compared to others in recent memory. The Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel in October of last year resulted in 1200 deaths and the taking of prisoners. More than 100 are still held hostage and Jews around the world are asking how they can celebrate the historic freedom from bondage when these people are still captive. Some Jewish groups are urging families to set a place at the table to honour those who are still in bondage.
Other Jews have expressed their ambivalence because of the war in Gaza during which tens of thousands of Palestinians have died. What about their lives and liberation?
Many Jews are anxious and fearful because of the rise of anti-Semitism in places far from Israel/Gaza, including here in Canada. Are they at risk as they gather to celebrate Passover, in their homes and synagogues and schools? This resonates with persecution of Jews through the centuries, often around Holy Week and Passover.
I'm grateful that the United Church of Canada has expressed good wishes to the Jewish community as Passover commences. Christian communities everywhere need to decry anti-Jewish sentiment and hate speech. Jesus was a Jew who celebrated Passover as his last meal with his disciples.
This is not at odds with the UCC calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the end of violence in the West Bank. Our commitment is to peace everywhere in the world as followers of Jesus, the Risen Christ.
I do wish Chag Pesach Sameach to Jewish friends and the world-wide Jewish community.
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