The following is a message from Alfred Habeeb Professor and Chair Dan Berkowitz, M.D.

Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt more than 3,000 years ago. During the 8-day festival, Jewish families gather to retell the story of the exodus through a special meal called the Seder. The Seder includes the recitation of prayers, the reading of the Haggadah (a book that tells the Passover story), a festive meal with the consumption of special foods such as matzo, and the singing of songs.

Passover is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration of freedom. It is one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar.

Reflecting on the holiday, I am personally drawn to the narrative of the exodus which we are encouraged to recite. Indeed, in the retelling of the slavery, plagues, exodus, and ultimately freedom from bondage, we are inspired to reflect on the idea that in every generation we are to feel as if we ourselves are redeemed. We re-enact the plagues and eat symbolic foods – bitter herbs because our lives were embittered and unleavened bread because the bread was unable to rise in our hurry to depart from Egypt. It is also incumbent on us to reflect on our good fortune to live in a democracy that grants us freedoms.

This is something we cannot and should not take for granted. Contemplating this transition from enslavement to the ability to determine our own fate is a very powerful narrative.