Rabbi Karen's April 2025 Message

April 7, 2025

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Dear Friends,

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Our countdown is on as the holiday of Passover is quickly approaching.  I’m sure it won’t surprise you to learn that the Passover Seder is one of the most observed traditions of Jewish people. 

So what is it that makes it stand out? Pesach (Passover) is known as the "holiday of freedom." And it is our journey to freedom that is retold year in and year out. Our narrative of Passover commemorates the Exodus of the Hebrews (Jewish people) from Egypt following 210 years of slavery. And it is during the Seder through the “Haggadah” - the telling of our story - that we recall and reenact annually both the struggles and the amazing miracles that our ancestors experienced.

Their journey to Israel took 40 years of growing, learning and wandering through the desert. This vital piece of our history is regarded as the "birth" of the Jewish nation. It is because of this moment in time, thousands of years ago, that we became the B’nai Yisrael (the children of Israel) and that ultimately we were promised and given Eretz Yisrael as our Jewish homeland. 

I am looking into organizing a group trip to Israel for February 2026, and hope you will consider joining me. 

Our trip will include excursions, visiting holy sites, celebrating Shabbat together, and opportunities to learn both the history of Israel as well as experience modern day Israel; the people, places, and culture. 

Please let the office know if you are interested.  In the meantime, I will be working with an Israeli tour company to create a tentative itinerary to present to you soon.

 

Chag Pesach Sameach, wishing you a happy Passover…

L’hitraot,

Rabbi Karen Tashman