A Passover for Everyone
America’s pandemic experience demonstrates the transcendence of the Passover story. From wiping down our groceries and grocery carts, being apart from loved ones during the holidays, and watching those we love catch the deadly virus, America is ready for an exodus from our current situation – much like the Jews of antiquity.
The traditional Passover holiday celebrates the triumph of a population that lived through an historic crisis and survived under God’s providence. In the book of Exodus, we learn that Moses grew up to lead the people of Israel out of slavery. After repeated demands from Moses, a series of miracles, and ten infamous plagues, Pharaoh sent the Hebrew nation out of Egypt. Passover commemorates the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery and God’s hand of protection over the Jewish people.
The holiday is a time of gratitude for God’s deliverance. Jewish families remember how the Hebrew nation has been delivered from its enemies, both in Biblical times and the modern era. Many Jews also celebrate the re-birth of the young nation of Israel. But even those who are not Jewish can identify with the sacred holiday in some way – everyone has some sort of deliverance to be grateful for. For example, anyone who has survived COVID has much to be grateful for this year. Passover commemorates freedom from slavery, something all Americans can celebrate together.
At the conclusion of each Passover meal, Jews often declare, “Next year in Jerusalem.” This reflects the fact that the Jewish people have been waiting anxiously for generations to once again celebrate in a restored temple in the City of David. Israel has always been an underdog country, and Americans love an underdog. Neighbored on all sides by nations that are its traditional enemies, Israel is emerging as a nation of victors. Last year’s peace agreements continue what has become a broad pathway of communication for new business and tourism ventures between Israel and its neighbors. “Next year in Jerusalem” holds even greater significance to many Jews now that Jerusalem has been recognized as Israel’s capitol.
The phrase is also a rallying cry for American technology students and innovators who are flocking to Israel’s tech industry and educational institutions. It is well known that Israel has more Nobel laureates per capita than any other nation. In recent years, Israel has emerged as a global leader in entrepreneurialism and innovation. Despite being one of the world’s smallest countries, Israel now ranks as fifth in the world in technological advancement.
While “next year in Jerusalem” is intended to be an aspirational call for Jewish people to return to the homeland, it could also serve as a mantra for those eager to travel again. Israel’s economy is largely dependent on tourism, which has nearly evaporated due to COVID restrictions. This is precisely why I started Artza, a direct-to-consumer service that provides a way to get Israeli-made goods into the hands of Americans via a quarterly subscription box – at least while international travel is off the table. During the months of the shut-down, shopkeepers in Israel have been able to sell local delicacies and handmade crafts across the globe. Thankfully, the success of its vaccine rollout means that Israel is on its way to re-opening.
Passover recalls a past crisis and symbolizes hope for the future. I know that Americans, like all of us in Israel, are ready to turn the corner and start looking to the future once again. This Passover season might be just the time to do it. I pray that this holiday, and the promise that it holds, means as much to you this year as it does to me.
Itai Schimmel immigrated to Israel ten years ago and is one of the founders of Artza, a new direct to consumer company delivering a taste of the Holy Land to Christians across America.
