A Time of Remembrance, Healing, and Recommitment

By Michele Norris

As Jewish communities around the world gather this week to celebrate Passover, the holiday serves not only as a remembrance of the ancient Exodus from Egypt but also as a lens through which many are examining ongoing struggles for freedom and justice in the modern world.

Passover, one of the most sacred observances in the Jewish calendar, commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery. The holiday is traditionally marked with a Seder meal, the reading of the Haggadah, and symbolic rituals that speak to themes of suffering, endurance, and ultimate deliverance. At its core, Passover celebrates the human spirit’s refusal to remain in bondage.

In recent years, especially within multicultural and interfaith communities, Passover has come to represent more than a historical moment in Jewish history. It has emerged as a universal narrative—one that mirrors the African American experience and the enduring legacy of slavery, systemic oppression, and the fight for civil rights.

The story of the Exodus, though rooted in Jewish tradition, is increasingly recognized as a human story. It reflects the trials of African Americans whose ancestors endured enslavement, resisted injustice, and continue to seek true equality and liberation. From the transatlantic slave trade and the Jim Crow era to the Civil Rights Movement and present-day advocacy for social justice, the African American journey parallels that of the Israelites—defined by struggle, resilience, and hope.

During this season, many faith leaders and community organizers are hosting multicultural Seders to acknowledge these shared histories. These inclusive gatherings often blend traditional Jewish customs with elements from African American heritage, such as freedom songs, spoken word poetry, and readings from influential figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Maya Angelou. The aim is to create spaces that honor both legacies while fostering understanding and solidarity.

These Seders offer more than symbolic connection—they serve as reminders that the fight for freedom is ongoing and that reflection must lead to action. In connecting the ancient to the contemporary, participants are encouraged to see the Exodus not only as a story of the past but as a call to confront injustice wherever it exists today.

As Passover continues, communities across the country are embracing the season as a moment of remembrance, healing, and recommitment to justice. It is a time to recognize the deep ties between the Jewish and African American experiences and to work together toward a future where all people live with freedom, dignity, and peace.

May this season inspire not only reflection, but also a call to action—urging all people to work toward a world grounded in freedom, dignity, and lasting peace.

“Chag Sameach"