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Passover

Ages All

Reimagine freedom. Passover invites us to reimagine what freedom must mean through storytelling, sharing meals and asking big questions about our world.

  • Holidays
  • Jewish Life
Young boy eats bread at Passover gathering

Though Passover only lasts for roughly a week, the holiday has a perpetual impact on the Jewish and universal ethical consciousness. We are taught “in every generation, each person is obligated to see themselves as if they personally went out of Egypt,” in the hope that we never “oppress the stranger, for you yourselves were once strangers in the land of Egypt.” Passover is not merely telling someone else’s story. It demands that we radically empathize and identify with those escaping dangerous and oppressive places, calling on us to liberate all people from all manners of tyranny.

Passover begins at sunset, April 5 // Observed April 5 – April 13, 2023

CELEBRATE PASSOVER

Passover at the JCCSF is all about freedom celebrated through the lens of symbolic foods and shared meals. From the hundreds of us gathering together every year since 1980 for a shared First Night Seder meal to homemade matzah from Wise Sons in our homes any night, we embrace these shared experiences and reflect on our personal journeys and the societal freedoms we champion and celebrate. No matter which Haggadah we use, we recount the story of our ancestors leaving Egypt and relate to the oppressed peoples around the world today.

Looking for Haggadah inspiration?

Featuring artwork and themes of immigration, misrepresentation and freedom from the Wander Woman 3 exhibition currently on display at the JCCSF’s Katz Snyder Gallery, this booklet offers a tool for personal reflection and meaningful conversation. If you are celebrating Passover with a seder meal, we invite you to include this guide as a conversation starter or Haggadah supplement, adding an additional layer of depth and richness to your Passover experience.

No Passover is complete without our old friends matzo and Manischewitz! Flip through the book below for mouthwatering spins on traditional dishes that are just too good to pass over, inspired by our Nosh on This cooking series.

Thirsty for more? Try a Passover-inspired cocktail (or two) from our Maggid and resident mixologist, Jhos Singer! Watch below as he shows you how to mix up his delicious and surprising “Passover in a Glass.” Want to make it yourself? Get the recipe in the video description. L’chaim!

Well done. Made my night and brought tears to my eyes (several times).  So proud to be a part of this community.

Cristina R.

Participant

I did not even know that breakouts were possible with Zoom!  It was like talking with people at your community seder table. The photos and the graphics were excellent, Batshir led a wonderful Seder, Jonathan's music and songs were delightful and everyone worked together to make the moment whole.  And we even had singalongs over Zoom!  

Josef H.

Participant

My husband and I would like to thank you for the beautiful Seder you organized last night. It was obvious that a lot of thought had gone into creating a meaningful experience. The artwork, the music, the group choruses, the commentary – it all came together beautifully and made us feel a part of a community, which we haven't felt very much of recently. 

Phyllis G.

Participant

This is the first seder that I have attended in my pajamas! Thank you for doing this.  It’s already a memorable Passover.

Raquel B.

Participant

My Mom’s first Seder and she says, “This makes all problems seem so small.’

Valerie I.

Participant

Thank you to the entire team who made this happen. It was really wonderful to see all of us, from all over the city; people united in song, prayer and ancient tradition with such a modern flair and touch.

Vincenza G.

Participant
Children sitting on the floor having a good time and smiling at the camera
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