For Paula Parks, Passover this year will be bittersweet.
“Passover is always a wonderful time with family and friends,” the president of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg said of the eight-day holiday that begins at sundown Monday and continues until April 30.
But in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, and the ongoing war in Gaza and the recent attack by Iran, followed by Israel’s retaliatory strikes, this year’s holiday, which commemorates the deliverance of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt in ancient times, will be marked by sadness and concern.
Empty table place settings in memory of Jewish hostages in Gaza at the entrance to the Asper Jewish Community Campus. (Supplied)
Noting the message of Passover is about the release of those Jewish slaves, the gatherings “will be much more meaningful” as members of Winnipeg’s Jewish community think of the 133 hostages still being held by Hamas, she said.
At many Passover seders Monday and Tuesday, there will be an empty chair and place setting in memory of the hostages, she noted.
“We will be remembering those who can’t be with their families and friends at this time,” along with those serving with Israel’s military forces who also can’t be home, Parks said, .
One home where there will be an empty chair for the Passover seder is that of Jeff Lieberman, the Federation’s CEO.
“It’s a very powerful symbol,” he said of the message it will send to those gathered for the special holiday meal. “It’s a sign that we are remembering them.”
Although the war between Israel and Gaza will be on their minds, along with the plight of the remaining hostages, Lieberman and Parks hope the holiday will also be a reminder of “the enduring strength of the Jewish people,” as Lieberman put it.
“Just as our ancestors persevered through times of hardship so, too, do we draw strength from them as we confront the complex challenges of our time,” added Parks, noting those challenges include rising antisemitism in Canada and around the world.
Ben Carr is the Liberal Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre. For him, this Passover will be a special time when he’ll be among about 40 people gathered to mark the holiday.
“It’s a time of joy spending time with loved ones,” he said, adding that the situation in Israel and Gaza will most likely come up.
“My family is a political family, so we are always engaged in conversations about public policy and things that are happening in the world,” said Carr. “People will be interested in understanding my perspective, as we gather.”
One thing that will also likely come up is the “increasing hostility” being felt by Jews in Canada today, he said.
“Lots of Jews in the riding I represent are anxious about the rise in antisemitism,” Carr said, adding the whole community is “being held responsible for the actions of the Netanyahu government.”
For Belle Jarniewski, executive director of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada, this Passover will, “More than ever,” be a reminder of “the precious gift of freedom that this holiday commemorates.”
As she gathers with family this Passover, she said her heart will be heavy, thinking about the hostages and people who lost loved ones Oct. 7.
At the same time, Jarniewski will recall the miracle of the Passover story and pray for another one to bring the hostages home.
Abby Flackman is the youth and overseas engagement co-ordinator for the Federation. Her seder table will also include an empty chair and place setting.
Although people are being encouraged to put a photo of a hostage at that place setting, Flackman said she won’t be able to do it “because the pain is too great.”
At the same time, her family will “celebrate and rejoice despite the heavy sorrow we will feel in our hearts. We will say words about freeing the hostages, and peace for all in the Middle East.”
For Rabbi Kliel Rose of Congregation Etz Chayim, Passover is always a reminder that “we live in a broken world.”
But this year, the brokenness for Jews is even more palpable, he said.
When they gather to remember the words of Moses, when he told the Egyptian pharaoh to “Let my people go,” Winnipeg Jews will not only recall that experience but also freedom for the hostages today and for “freedom from all obstacles on the road to peace,” he said.
While remembering their collective sadness for what is happening in Israel, Passover is also a time to remember that even in dire times, they should never give up on the hope for an improved reality, he said.
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John Longhurst
Faith reporter
John Longhurst has been writing for Winnipeg’s faith pages since 2003. He also writes for Religion News Service in the U.S., and blogs about the media, marketing and communications at Making the News.