As members of the Jewish community prepare to gather around the Seder table and retell the story of our ancestors’ journey from slavery to freedom, we are reminded that Passover is more than a ritual — it is a timeless call to action.

At the heart of Passover lies a powerful and enduring message: “You shall not oppress the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” This commandment is not only part of our teachings/learnings — it is deeply personal to me and feels profoundly relevant today.

My parents, of blessed memory, raised my siblings and me to ask hard questions and to build relationships with people who both shared our values and challenged our perspectives. My parents knew that true understanding and meaningful change don’t happen in the comfort of sameness — they are born through connection, curiosity, and courage. Growing up, our dinner table often included people from other communities, countries, and lived experiences. There were always conversations about the news of the day — and about the people most deeply affected.

Passover calls us to see ourselves in the story — to remember what it feels like to be vulnerable, unseen, or displaced — and to respond with compassion. It invites us to open our hearts and our homes, to create space for those who live differently, believe differently, or are simply seeking a place to belong.

Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative refers to this as “getting proximate” — drawing close to what we seek to understand. Often, that proximity comes with discomfort. It may even ask us to rewrite the narratives we hold about others — and about ourselves.

In a world that so often builds walls, Passover reminds us to open doors. In this time of deep division, I still hear my parents’ voices urging me to be open — especially to those with whom I may not agree — to listen with curiosity, and to seek common ground while maintaining hope. And always, to remember to slow down.

So, that is my invitation to you — our beloved community of supporters. In a moment filled with challenge and complexity, it’s easy to remain in spaces of comfort and familiarity. This Passover, I invite you to connect with someone whose story is different from your own. Listen with the goal of understanding.

This is how we honor our shared history. This is how we build a future rooted in justice, inclusion, and love. Let us emerge from this holiday renewed — ready to repair what is broken, and to return to a place where we see, hear, and recognize the humanity in one another.

Dayenu — that would be enough.

Your partnership and support make our work possible at Jewish Family Service. You ensure our community remains a place of welcome, empathy, and strength. Thank you.

Chag Sameach — wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, meaningful Passover filled with hope and connection.

With Gratitude and in Pursuit of Justice,