Thoughts on Passover greetings in our new reality

As Passover approached, a pressing question weighed heavily on our minds: How can we utter the customary “Chag Sameach”—happy holiday—when so many of our brethren are suffering in Gaza? Yes, we faced this same challenge last year, but the harrowing testimonies of recently rescued hostages have brought the torment of those still captive—our modern-day slaves—into sharper focus. This new reality forces us to grapple with even deeper questions about the meaning of this holiday.

Some have chosen to wish others a “meaningful holiday” instead of a “happy holiday.” Others have clung to the traditional greeting. My Haredi sister shared that for her, Purim was more challenging, as it carries a mitzvah to be joyful—a requirement rather than a mere greeting. Perhaps my Judaism is less literal, but for me, this Pesach embodies an excruciating paradox. A holiday meant to celebrate our liberation from slavery feels almost irreconcilable when members of our own nation remain enslaved in Gaza.

Every Pesach, we are commanded to rejoice in our freedom. Yet the Haggadah reminds us, “In every generation, they rise against us to annihilate us.” For years, I saw these words as an ancient reflection of struggles long past, relevant to Jews of other times and places. But since October 7, 2023, and the unimaginable aftermath, I now know this is our reality. The Haggadah assures us that Hashem will ultimately save us, but in this moment, that promise feels distant—too abstract to offer solace.

I have no answers, only a profound hope that we, as a people, recognize our collective responsibility. Each of us bears the duty to remember those we’ve lost and those who remain in captivity. Let us incorporate their memory into our rituals, our conversations, and our thoughts this holiday. At the very least, may our observance be a reflection of solidarity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to one another.