Posted on April 4, 2023 by Rabbi Arnie Gluck
This Passover is different than all others because Israel is in the midst of a political crisis that has exposed deep divisions among its citizens and among Jews throughout the world.
As Reform Jews we stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers who are fighting to defend Israel’s liberal democratic character against the current government’s attempts to weaken or destroy it. We are particularly concerned about the threats these efforts pose to our burgeoning Israeli Reform Movement, and to religious freedom and pluralism, after a decade of tremendous growth and progress.
As we gather around our seder tables to celebrate our freedom, I urge us all to renew our commitment to Israel as a democracy that upholds the rights of all its citizens and guarantees freedom of expression for all its inhabitants. Attached you will find materials from our Israeli Reform Movement to help guide this important discussion and a pamphlet describing how they are leading the fight to defend democracy in the name of our Jewish values.
I wish you a joyful Festival of Freedom and join my prayers with yours for peace and harmony for Israel, for America, for our families, and for all God’s children.
Chag Pesach sameach!
Rabbi Arnie Gluck
Passover Resources from the IMPJ (Israeli Movement for Progressive Judaism):
Passover Supplement with additional readings on Freedom and Democracy
