Immigration and refugees will be on the mind during Passover
News from the New York Jewish Week
Passover is a Jewish celebration of liberation. The holiday remembers the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt. The holiday is celebrated with a ritual feast called a ‘seder,’ where Jews recount the story of the Exodus.
During this Passover, Jews can reflect on the current exodus of refugees from around the world. It is especially relevant as this is the first Passover since the controversial travel ban implemented by President Trump. Historic, symbolic readings that are done over the holiday period focus on the topics of immigration, which can relate to the current climate in the US.
Several rabbis from across the country and Jewish community shared their thoughts on the topic. Rabbi Jennie Rosen said, “We are refugee people — the Exodus is our core narrative,” which puts us in perspective of what the current refugees are going through. Rabbi Rachel Kobrin from Pennsylvania shared her thoughts: “We feel there is a moral imperative to speak out on this issue.”
From one group stemming with a strong history stemming from refugees to another, immigration and refugees will be on the mind during Passover.
