The Passover, the most widely observed Jewish holiday, begins at sunset on Saturday. The holiday commemorates the exodus of ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It symbolizes freedom and the birth of the Jewish nation. This year, celebrations occur amid anxieties and divisions related to the unresolved Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
It is the second Passover in Israel since Hamas’ deadly attack on October 7, 2023. The season stirs up a mix of emotions—especially for those whose family members are among the 59 still in captivity in Gaza.
Lishay Miran Lavi recalls Passover two years ago as if it were a different life. The holiday fell four days after she gave birth to her second daughter, Alma. “We were a full family then: two parents, two daughters,” she says.
Her husband Omri Miran, who turned 48 on Friday, is one of the 24 hostages in Gaza still believed to be alive.
Miran Lavi says she was shocked, then furious, when Israel ended a ceasefire last month that led to the release of more than two dozen hostages. She can’t help but think that if the ceasefire and the hostage releases had continued, Omri would have been home by now.
The Passover is celebrated for seven days in Israel (and for eight days by some Jews in the rest of the world). Jews gather Saturday night for a meal called Seder. It features symbolic foods and rituals to help recount the biblical story of their flight from tyranny.
Maror and chazeret, bitter herbs, represent the bitterness of slavery. Charoset is a sweet mixture made from chopped nuts and fruits. It reminds participants of the mortar and brick used by Hebrew slaves. Unleavened bread, matzah, points to the Israelites’ hasty departure from Egypt. (There was no time for dough to rise.) A roasted lamb shank bone, zeroa, is also served. Israelite slaves painted the blood of the Paschal Lamb (the lamb sacrificed at the first Passover) on the doorways of their homes.
God recounted the blood’s purpose in Exodus 12. “When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.”
Last year, many families left an empty seat at their Seder tables to remember those killed or taken hostage.
This year’s Passover ends after nightfall on Sunday, April 20. That is the same day Christians observe Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Those who rest in the gospel know that Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover Lamb. He took on all judgment for our sins when His blood was shed on the cross. Christ has ended the bitterness of our enslavement to sin. He makes us new creations who walk in the freedom of forgiveness. And He leads us through our earthly lives by His Spirit to the final Promised Land. In His presence is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11)
Pray for peace and restoration in Israel and the surrounding region. Pray that Jews around the world would recognize Jesus as their Savior from sin and death and the healer of the nations.
