Passover celebrations in Vermont take on new meaning amid ongoing war in the Middle East
As tensions in the Middle East continue and concerns of a wider war are growing, community members say the holiday has taken on a greater meaning this year.
As tensions in the Middle East continue and concerns of a wider war are growing, community members say the holiday has taken on a greater meaning this year.
As tensions in the Middle East continue and concerns of a wider war are growing, community members say the holiday has taken on a greater meaning this year.
As the Jewish community in Vermont prepares to celebrate the first night of Passover on Monday, many are reflecting on what the holiday means to them amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
"Passover celebrates a lot of concepts that are perhaps ancient, but also very relevant today; concepts of freedom, collective freedom, personal freedom, concepts of tradition, family celebration [and] being together," said Draizy Junik, program director at Chabad Vermont.
As tensions in the Middle East continue, concerns of a wider war are growing as Iran has now entered the conflict.
The U.S. has also preliminarily approved a $95 billion foreign aid package, which is expected to impact the region.
Junik said this year, Passover has taken on a greater meaning.
"Throughout all of the traditions and moments, we're praying for peace, we're praying for a better future, which we just really hope happens very soon," Junik said.
In the meantime, Chabad Vermont is focusing on creating a safe space for community members with preparations underway for seder dinner Monday and Tuesday.
Passover celebrations are set to begin at sundown. While the celebration might feel different, community members said their faith remains strong.
"Our hope and prayer and our belief is that god will always protect us," said Rabbi Eliyahu Junik.
Organizers say the event will be a perfect setting for the community to come together and celebrate.
"If just between human and human, neighbor and neighbor, we can talk and understand each other and empathize, then I think the world would be in a much better place," said Draizy Junik.