4 | APRIL 18 • 2024 J N a Passover message from Federation A Time for Hope and Gratitude T his week, families across Metro Detroit — and in Jewish communities throughout the world — are busy preparing for the festival of Passover, one of the oldest and most widely celebrated of our holidays. It’s no accident that Passover holds such importance in our lives. Enveloped in the familiar warmth of the seder table, the powerful symbols and rituals invite us to personally identify with our ancestors who took part in the Exodus. The act of reliving their struggle and redemption, “as if he or she personally had come out of Egypt,” connects us to the origins of our faith. But the story of Passover is more than mere history. Its emphasis on resilience, justice and human dignity contains a blueprint for our survival and flourishing as a people. For that reason, it has unique significance in times of hardship. Observing the seder remained vital to Soviet- era refuseniks languishing in prison, and by the courageous occupants of the Warsaw ghetto on the brink of their annihilation. It’s also why the holiday has such profound relevance today. On Oct. 7, more than 230 Israeli citizens were brutally captured by Hamas terrorists, and over 100 still remain in Gaza. They will all be with us, in our thoughts and in our hearts, as we break the bread of affliction and taste the bitter herb that recalls the suffering of our ancestors in Egypt. We are also aware of the immense challenges facing the Israeli people, who have been traumatized, displaced and isolated on the world stage as they confront an existential threat. When we proclaim, “Next year in Jerusalem,” we will look forward to a time of renewed peace and security for the citizens of our Jewish homeland. Our fellow Jews in Ukraine, many of whom are elderly and infirm, also remain captive under the tyranny of unprovoked aggression. They, too, seek freedom from the uncertainties and deprivations of war. And as antisemitism continues to rise, in public discourse and in acts of open hostility, we seek the freedom of a world without prejudice, intolerance or hate — for Jews or any others. Above all, however, the message of Passover is one of hope. It reminds us that oppression can be overcome, and that the freedoms we strive for can be achieved through the power of our collective hope and determination. This is central to our work at the Jewish Federation of Detroit. Working closely with our partner agencies and with Jewish organizations across the community, we ensure that every individual is free to live a life of meaning, purpose and connection. This means the freedom for our young people to explore their heritage and traditions, and to build strong Jewish identities. It’s the freedom for families to grow and thrive, and for older adults to live in comfort and dignity. It’s the freedom for those who may feel helpless or alone to find stability, acceptance and inclusion. And it’s the freedom for all to enjoy the richness of our Jewish faith and traditions, without hesitation or fear. Gratitude is yet another vital aspect of the Passover holiday. We recognize and appreciate the abundant miracles that delivered our people with the simple phrase expressed in the song from our Haggadah, Dayenu. Enough. With that, we’d like to offer our most sincere appreciation for this extraordinary community. It would have been enough simply to have thrived here in Detroit for more than 100 years, and to have remained, in that time, a remarkably vibrant and cohesive community. But ours is among the most committed and generous communities to be found anywhere, and together we are doing so much good amidst the complexity and turbulence of our world. It is more than enough, and for that we are extremely grateful. Chag Sameach. Gary Torgow is the president of the Jewish Federation of Detroit. Michael Berger is president of the United Jewish Foundation. Steven Ingber is CEO of the Jewish Federation of Detroit. Gary Torgow Michael Berger Steven Ingber PURELY COMMENTARY Yiddish Limerick A Sweet Pesach! Der shtub azay Pesachdik, der tzimmer will shine Der tish azay shayn, mit di glezlaykh of vine. Mir Essen un trinken, the Haggadah we read Mir zinger di zmirot, ich bin hayzerik un mid. Oh Pesach, my Pesach, do Kum, kum arayn. Der shrub azay Pesachdik- the house is very Pesach ready der tzimmer - the room Der tish azay shayn - the table so beautiful mit di glazlaykh of vine - with the glasses of wine Mir essen un trinken - we eat and drink Mir zingen di zmirot - we sing the songs ich bin hayzerik un mid - I am hoarse and tired Kum, kum arayn - come, come in By Rachel Kapen Myway Member exclusive PricIng Valid 4/8/24-4/30/24 Holy SpeS Busch’s Fresh FoOd Market is not a Kosher establishment MA COHEN’S - Kos sod /sid NOVA LOX 4 oz.