An Open Letter to University Presidents
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Everything you need to know about the Jewish holiday of freedom.
Passover, the ultimate freedom fest, invites families to gather, indulge in traditional Jewish cuisine, and commemorate the liberation of the Jews from Pharaoh's oppressive rule in Egypt.
Over 200 years of enslavement prompted Moses, empowered by divine guidance, to approach Pharaoh with a straightforward demand: "Let my people go!" Pharaoh's stubborn refusal led to the unleashing of TEN plagues, transforming Egypt into a place worse than the DMV. Finally, after the tenth plague, Pharaoh relented, granting the Jews permission to leave on the 15th of Nissan, marking the pivotal moment when they transitioned from slaves to freedom fighters.
The climactic end to the plagues was dark—every first-born in Egypt faced a grim fate. However, God provided the Jews with a "life hack": smearing lamb blood on their doors would spare their first-born. Hence, the term "Passover" originated as the homes marked with lamb blood were passed over, sparing the Jewish inhabitants.
While God's omniscience is unquestionable, the act of marking doors conveyed a powerful message—embracing one's Jewish identity, especially in challenging times, is a profound and necessary act.
Passover serves as a metaphorical time machine, transporting participants back to ancient Egypt. By consuming the same passover foods and reciting the prayers uttered by the freed slaves, participants are prompted to reflect on the modern enslavements in their lives—whether financial concerns, job dissatisfaction, fear of judgment, or toxic relationships.
As you engage in the Passover traditions, consider breaking free from these contemporary challenges and script your own narrative of freedom.
Central to Passover is matzah, the unleavened bread symbolizing the haste of the Jews' escape from Egypt. More than a mere crunchy snack, matzah serves as a powerful symbol, urging individuals to strip away life's fluff—a toxic relationship, an unfulfilling job, an unsupportive friend. Matzah stands as a reminder to liberate oneself from unnecessary baggage.
Passover embraces the number four—four cups of wine, four types of inquisitive children posing four questions. This numerical theme aligns with the Torah, which outlines freedom in four aspects: freedom from slavery, freedom from Egypt, freedom from the Egyptian army at the Red Sea, and the freedom to embrace the Jewish mission of being a light unto the nations.
In essence, Passover is not just about breaking free; it's about discerning the path to follow once freedom is attained. So, as we reflect on the journey from slavery to liberation, the question remains: What will you do with your newfound freedom?
