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"In every generation we should view ourselves as if we too were slaves and participated in the exodus from Egypt"
Every year at Passover, Jews worldwide read these meaningful words from the Hagaddah, commemorating our freedom from slavery long ago. We are asked to try to imagine the hardships of our ancestors and how we would feel in this situation of displacement and disconnect. Yet, although the holiday of Pesach dates back to ancient times, its important message is still relevant today. We were slaves in Egypt, but we have, too often, since then, been made to feel like "the stranger" throughout our over 4,000 year history. In one sense, it is a miracle that we are still here, having survived as a people through the unimaginable millennium after millennium. We are lucky to be living in a country that is relatively safe, that considers all of its citizens as equals, that has a democratic political system, and that puts hate in its place. We are able to practise our religion in our houses of worship and we have ample opportunity to celebrate our Jewish holidays with family and friends. Often we take all these wonderful gifts for granted. Sometimes we forget that there are many others who recently arrived on our shores, who did not have the freedoms we enjoy, or who faced danger or hardship in the countries they had lived in. We must remember to reach out to them for they are now in a new and strange place, far from home and the ones they love. Yes, they were fortunate to leave and to begin new lives, but without a friendly smile or a warm welcome, the already painful experience of moving to a new land turns into one of additional fear and loneliness. JIAS Canada has gone through some very challenging times, but our commitment to helping newcomers find their way to continue their lives in Jewish communities across Canada, and in Canadian society as a whole, will always remain one of our most important goals. We envision JIAS as part of a strong and vibrant national Jewish community that continues to be capable of combating anti-semitism, and of supporting Israel, and Jewish continuity in Canada. On behalf of the Board and Staff of JIAS Canada, we wish all of you a safe and happy holiday, and a renewed appreciation of the justice and freedom we all share. Let us wish the same for all peoples around the world. Chag Pessach Kasher V'Sameach
Leslie Wilder
Mila Voihanski |
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