This Year Let’s Ask A Fifth Question

This Year Let’s Ask A Fifth Question

In less than two weeks, Pesach (Passover) will be upon us. Passover commemorates the story of the Israelites’ departure from ancient Egypt. We, as Jews, observe this week-long festival with a number of important rituals, including a traditional Passover meal known as a Seder, the removal of leavened products from our homes, the substitution of matzah for bread, and the retelling of the exodus tale. 

Our time preparing for Passover can be somewhat chaotic depending upon how observant one may be as a family. There are differences we all have in terms of traditions, foods, and stories, but it is remarkable that so many Jews across the globe are similarly grounded in the experience of the Seder. And it’s not surprising that the Passover Seder has become one of the most celebrated yet ever-changing traditions in Jewish practice.

At our Seder each year, we ask, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” That’s how we begin asking the four questions each Passover. But, this year, perhaps each of us should ask a fifth question, not centered on “Why” but on “What?” As we retell the ancient story of our slavery and journey to freedom, “What” can we do to help ensure the freedom of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters who are struggling against oppression and warfare to live freely in their own country? 

Since the outbreak of the war, the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, along with Federations throughout North America, in collaboration with our partner organizations, has been on the ground in Ukraine and at its borders, helping the millions of Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes, communities, and country. And as the war rages on, for almost 14 months now, we continue to be there on the ground and working to provide whatever critical aid is needed to recover, resettle, and rebuild broken lives. As an update to the Isakov family that arrived in our community last June, I am pleased to report that Sergey and Iryna are working at Adult Day Services at Heritage Manor and have moved into their own apartment.

I thought I might share a little about how we are celebrating Passover on our Campus:

• Jewish Family & Community Services is continuing with their annual distribution of Passover baskets to over 20 Jewish members of our community, mostly shut-ins and those who need some support. JFCS social workers deliver the baskets of food and are able to check in with these individuals and do an assessment of other possible needs.
  
  
• The Jewish Community Center will host a chocolate model Seder for preschool age children in the Early Learning Center, as well as a campus-wide Shabbat for the entire ELC and Federation-wide staff.
  
  
• The Jewish Community Relations Council, in response to the age-old Jewish tradition of contributing generously towards funds that ensure that everyone has what they need, which includes not only food, but also clean water and fresh air, has started collecting monetary donations for our friends in East Palestine. The Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation will match gifts made by April 14 dollar for dollar up to the first $5,000 donated.
  
  
• JCRC’s Holocaust Educational Specialist, Jesse McClain, will again hold a Seder at his church, St Patrick’s in Youngstown. This is a wonderful opportunity for the parishioners to hear the Passover story.

Growing up in New York, our Seder included our immediate and extended families, as well as family friends. We gathered each year for two Seders led by my father, and I was thrilled when my younger sister Beth was old enough to read the four questions. Giggling and laughter were the norms throughout the Seder. Most of my fondest Jewish memories as a child were centered around our family Seders. 

So, this Passover, as we gather around the Seder table to ask the four questions and recount the story of the Jewish people achieving freedom, renewal, and hope, let’s be sure to ask a fifth question for the countless members of our global family who still need to accomplish the same. “What can we do to repair the world?” 

Your support of the Federation year-round helps to protect our Jewish community from antisemitic and anti-Israel activity wherever they appear, as well as securing our institutions and synagogues. Your gifts to our annual Campaign help advocate on Capitol Hill for critical legislation and funding to protect our community and others targeted by hate. 

On behalf of the volunteers and staff of the Federation and its agencies, we wish you a happy, healthy, and meaningful Passover.

Andy
Andrew Lipkin, Federation CEO