Fresno Jewish community observes 1st Passover since October 2023 attacks
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – At the Temple Beth Israel in Fresno, Rabbi Rick Winer echoed what many in the Jewish faith all around America are feeling Monday night.
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“It’s meant to be a joyous holiday. We’re leaving slavery and going toward freedom, but it’s not going to be quite as joyous this year, there’s a somber feeling that we can’t shake,” Winer said.
Passover, one of the Jewish faith’s highest holy days, is being overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Monday marks the first Passover since the war began.
Winer says some of the traditions of Passover even reflect what is happening in the region now.
“Not only an ancient reminder that someone was stricken by these plagues, but we’re seeing it today, where no matter who you are, if there’s hatred going on everyone’s suffering,” he said, expanding on the historical significance of some of their traditions.
Seder is the traditional meal and ritual of the start of Passover. The temple hosted over 100 people Monday night to celebrate.
But they also kept one chair open for the hostages in Gaza.
Phyllis Farrow is the executive director of the Jewish Federation of Central California. She says observing Passover is extremely important to her faith. She agrees that this year feels different.
“I feel proud to be here, but I have to admit for the first time in my 69 years, I feel a little afraid,” Farrow said.
And despite reported anti-Semitic incidents on the rise across much of the nation, the celebration was visited by those in Fresno’s interfaith community.
Reverand Anna Maria Lopez of New Thought Community church says she attended Seder to show support.
“They’re all about peace, and so am I. And that is what we pray for. And this is a recognition, of peace, from tragedy,” Lopez said.
