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Rabbi Annie Villarreal-Belford writes, “Passover is our celebration of redemption. We remember that in ancient Egypt, we were slaves; we celebrate our miraculous exodus and freedom. We raise each of the four cups of wine to acknowledge the joy we feel that we live as free people today. This year, however, our joy is tempered with the knowledge that not all Jews are free….” 

In truth, the fact that more than 130 men, women, and children (as young as 1-year-old!) still languish in captivity, held hostage since the tragic and traumatizing events of October 7, has – for some in the Jewish community - done more than merely temper the joy of Pesach this year; it has sapped spirits and left people searching for ways to find significance in a holiday that celebrates our redemption. I have also been cognizant of how “off” it has felt to wish others a “Happy Passover,” and I’ve instead extended wishes that this year’s Pesach be meaningful. Unsurprisingly, such sentiments are far from mine alone, a reality that has given rise to countless suggestions of ways to thoughtfully adapt and/or supplement our Seders with relevant questions, readings, prayers, and rituals.

Although there is no shortage of material available online, below you will find a few resources that we hope will infuse deeper meaning and relevance into this year’s Passover Seder:

Bringing the Hostages to Your Seder
In partnership with The Jewish Education Project, #Everyone Counts has created a Seder Supplement and a guide for facilitators. Click here for the supplement.

Mah Nishtana
These materials from the URJ invite consideration of the timeless question, “How is this Passover different from all other Passovers?” Recognizing the rupture in Jewish communities caused by the October 7 attacks in Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza, at the following link are four thoughtful questions to help all who are gathered at your Seder table – no matter their perspectives - to engage in conversation with open hearts and minds.

The Ten Plagues
Before reciting the traditional Ten Plagues, invite participants to consider the Plagues – Blood, Lice, Darkness, etc. – in the light of what Israel faced on October 7 and what the hostages are continuing to confront in captivity. The recitation of the Plagues will assuredly be accompanied by a far more personal, powerful, and relevant significance as we pour a drop of wine from our cups with each one.

And finally, a Prayer to include as part of the Seder:
Tonight, we celebrate our freedom, and we sing psalms of joy.
Tonight, we pray for the release of our brothers and sisters suffering in captivity.
Tonight, we relish the warmth of our homes, surrounded by family and friends.
Tonight, we are mindful of hundreds of thousands of Israelis displaced from their homes.
Tonight, we give thanks for the abundance of food and drink.
Tonight, we note the fields and orchards torched by those bent on evil, terror, and destruction on October 7.
Tonight, we sit at the Passover table.
Tonight, we stand for the right of Jews everywhere to live in safety.
Tonight, we remember that we came out of Mitzrayim.
Tonight, we hope that our brothers and sisters in captivity in Gaza will soon know freedom from “Mitzrayim” as well.
Tonight, we recite “Next Year in Jerusalem.”
Tonight, we pray that Jerusalem and all Israel will soon know peace. (Rabbi Aaron Starr, adapted)

Sincere wishes to all for a Passover imbued with meaning and hopes for redemption realized.