From the President:
Passover Message

The global Jewish community is one filled with diversity. Almost every family observes common rituals in different ways. Whether it be standing or sitting for Kiddush, including women in tefillot, or reciting the liturgy with different words and tunes (Ashkenazic or Sephardic), we are all different in performing Jewish customs.

However, when Pesach arrives and we observe the sedarim (plural for seder), the entire Jewish community is consistent. We all begin with kadesh, perform the other Passover rituals in the order dictated by the haggadah, and end in nirtzah. We all tell the story of Passover, maggid, so that we teach the lessons of the Jewish People and God to future generations. Despite our political, religious, and social differences, the entire Jewish community passes on the story of Passover so that the message of Jewish continuity remains forever.

Surveys say that approximately 90% of the Jewish community celebrates the seder, making Passover the most celebrated of Jewish holidays. The seder reflects the idea of non-denominationalism and unity - it is the one ritual that is uniform in any household. While the singing may be different, and the teachings may vary, the messages obtained from the seder- of God, freedom, and Jewish continuity- are the same.

It is amazing to think that on the first (and second) night of Pesach, you will be reciting the same words as millions of other Jewish people around the world. People who may be totally different from you - religiously, socially, or politically- are uttering the same praises to God, the same thanks for being a free person in today's world.

As we draw nearer to Passover, let the seder serve as a lesson of unity. Be accepting of others, despite your differences with them. We are all equally Jewish, despite our differences in customs... and the seder exists as a ritual for all of us to observe together, as one people.