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Dear ,

Pesah (Passover) starts this Monday evening, after what will hopefully be a restful Shabbat for all. As we finish our last bit of prepping for the seders I want to pose a question, one taken straight from the haggadah: why exactly do we eat matzah? Not surprisingly, the haggadah itself can’t decide, and it offers two answers. I invite you to watch my explanation and Pesah reflections by clicking this link or the video below.



If this vision for a “both-and” Judaism resonates with you, I hope you will demonstrate your passion by supporting us this Pesah.

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The truth is, it’s hard to wish one another a “Happy Passover” this year. We hold in our hearts the terrible suffering and loss of life since October 7th in both Israel and Gaza. We remember the hostages still captured by Hamas and the pain their families are feeling. In their honor, we ask that you set aside a chair at your seder this year to remember them. We also offer this prayer linked below as a way to keep the hostages in our hearts this Pesah. I’ve also included a link to download Exploring Judaism’s Not a Haggadah, a no-cost Passover Reader to accompany your seder this year.

Save a Seat at Your Seder

This year, we encourage an extra setting at your table — an empty chair for our family still in captivity in Gaza.

This ritual is yours to shape: you may choose to leave the chair empty or put a sign or a list of the captives in the seat or on the plate. The poignancy will remain - it is empty as we engage in joy. Learn more by reading the guide linked below.
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Meditation Prayer for Hostages on Pesah

As we sit down for the Passover seder this year, we are heartbroken that hostages remain captive in Gaza. Every year we begin the seder by welcoming those who are in need into our homes. This year, as we recite Ha Lahma Anya, we also remember the hostages and invite their names and stories to be shared. View this prayer for hostages in Gaza by clicking below.
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FREE Passover Reader: Not A Haggadah

Passover is a powerful story of redemption and liberation. One of the core ways we orient ourselves to those themes is with an organized story, the Passover Seder.

This year (2024/5784), we are excited to publish a Passover Reader to help you prepare for the holiday and enhance your seder experience.
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As we bite into our matzah this year, we’ll recall Jewish struggles of the past and present, while celebrating, at the same time, our blessings and hopes for a better future.

Hag Pesah Kasher v’Sameah – I wish you a meaningful and joyful Passover!

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal
CEO of USCJ and the Rabbinical Assembly
 
 

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
3080 Broadway, Suite B208
New York, NY
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