From the Desk of CEO Judy Halper: April 2025

When we think about Passover, we often focus on matzah and all the usual jokes that accompany that most loved or “meh, not for me” necessary food item. As with most things, there are those who are big fans of unleavened bread, and others whose feelings are in the category of “not so much.” If you follow home or celebrity chefs on Instagram, you’ll note that it’s as easy to find experts making unusual (if not crazy) recipes using challah as often as recipes for unusual ways to fix matzah. It’s all very trending, as they say!

Aside from the jokes, and the creative uses of matzah, what could be more important about the holiday of Passover than understanding its meaning? Passover is the Jewish holiday celebrating freedom. Passover reminds us of the biblical slavery of the Hebrews and their redemption from bondage. In contemporary observance, the holiday has served as a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust, the oppression of Jewry in the former Soviet Union, and the bondage of addiction. In addition to the original story, Passover has become a celebration of freedom from all these circumstances and events.

The resettlement by Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis of Jews from the former Soviet Union took place many years ago. I still recall several of the individuals we resettled mentioning the experience of living Jewishly in the former Soviet Union. Though it was largely not permitted, unimaginably, the story of Passover was something they remained aware of. Being resettled in the U.S. and being able to live freely as Jews and as human beings made the holiday uniquely important.

Each year, JFCS provides Passover groceries (starter kits) to people who request them, and whose budgets can’t stretch far enough to afford these things. JFCS also hosts a seder each year for adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Many of these individuals live in group homes or other places where Passover is not observed; without these communal seders, these folks might not have opportunity to celebrate the holiday. JFCS also partners with the Jewish Recovery Network (JRN) to host a seder each year – the Freedom From Addiction seder. For people who have experienced addiction, and for their loved ones, these seders provide a personal reflection on the experience of being free of addiction.

Each of us has probably experienced a time where we felt constrained, not free. When that happens, exploring the feeling, evaluating the circumstances, and requesting and receiving support or help have likely contributed to a resolution. When we feel more aware, can consider more possibilities, and receive help, we may feel less constrained and more free. Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis can be that source of help to whatever limits you. We are Here for all. Always.

Happy Passover!