Bereaved Israeli Families Gather for Passover Retreat

Passover Seders serve as powerful rituals that connect participants to both historical and contemporary experiences of deliverance, suffering, and unity. In Christian communities, Passover Remembrance Meals are modeled after the Jewish Seder to deepen understanding of the Eucharist's Jewish roots, blending Old Testament rituals with New Testament symbolism to foster reverence and service among participants. Jewish Seders focus on reliving the Exodus story through symbolic foods and rituals, with elements like matzoh and bitter herbs connecting participants to their ancestors' suffering and liberation, and often drawing parallels to Christian communion. For bereaved Israeli families affected by war, communal Passover gatherings provide solace and support, transforming a potentially sorrowful holiday into one of shared hope and comfort. Even in extraordinary circumstances—such as the Passover Seder hosted by Steven Spielberg during the production of 'Schindler’s List'—the ritual has demonstrated its ability to bridge divides, foster understanding, and promote healing among diverse participants. Across these varied settings, the Seder remains a meaningful tradition that unites people in remembrance, gratitude, and hope.