By Mike Finney

DOVER — The beginning of Passover on Friday has many Jewish people looking across the globe at Russia’s war on Ukraine, which has sent thousands of desperate refugees to neighboring countries.

And many see a connection in the ancient Israelites’ and the Ukrainians’ plights for freedom from tyranny.

Caroline B. Schwartz, president of Congregation Beth Shalom in Dover, wrote about such similarities in her synagogue’s April newsletter.

“Well, April comes with tears and joy for us. We celebrate Passover and our freedom from slavery,” she wrote. “But we also remember the oppression and dreadful history of the Shoah. Today, the words ‘Never again’ have a wider meaning because of the atrocities being conducted by Russia in the Ukraine.

“Today’s news is devastating to see and makes me feel so helpless while living in the safety of our own democratic nation. Didn’t Jews say ‘Never again?’ Yet, this is happening to people, some Jews included, being systematically eliminated. Why does this happen? It makes me question my foundations of belief and despise more the hatred and those wicked people. We may ask ‘Where is God in all of this?’”

Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan, religious leader for the Seaside Jewish Community in Rehoboth Beach, also can see parallels.

“Once we were slaves in Egypt and refugees from the Pharaoh, and today, there are many people in similar situations around the world who need our help,” Rabbi Danan said.

As with other Jewish holidays, she said discussions of how to help others will take place during the Passover observance and that actions are planned.

Passover, which brings families and friends together to commemorate the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, begins Friday evening and lasts for eight days.

“Each year, I find a different way to connect to Passover,” Rabbi Danan said. “On the personal level, the Passover Seder can be a deep personal exploration. The Hebrew word for Egypt — Mitsrayim — means a ‘narrow place.’ We all have narrow places in our lives and souls, and Passover can be a journey of liberation and healing.”

Seaside will host a virtual Passover Seder at 6:30 p.m. Saturday due to ongoing COVID-19 concern. The public is welcome, and those interested can inquire at seasidejewishcommunity@gmail.com or 302-226-8977.

In addition, 2022 will mark Seaside’s 25th anniversary and 25th Seder — the evening meal when Jews eat traditional foods, including matzo, as well as drink wine and enjoy themselves.

Most of the fare eaten during a Seder are symbolic, such as a roasted egg at the center of a plate, representing the cycle of life. To designate spring, there can also be celery or parsley, dipped in saltwater to symbolize the slaves’ tears.

Matzo, or unleavened bread, is eaten throughout the Passover holiday instead of regular bread, as a reminder of the hasty baking done by the Israelites as they escaped to freedom.

However, the dinner itself is a hearty meal that may include matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, a main course and matzo. Desserts will be inventive cakes and macaroons that don’t include leavened flour.

As part of the celebration, the Passover story, found in the Book of Exodus, is read and discussed. Participants drink four glasses of wine (or grape juice) during this exercise, which can go on for hours with songs and stories.

The evening ends with more joyous singing and the blessing, “Next Year in Jerusalem!” While the events are lively, they also have a somber message of liberation.

“We take a little bit of our sweetness away to show we are sad because some of the Egyptians were killed in the escape,” Rabbi Danan said.

In one part of the Passover story, the plagues God sent upon the Egyptians is cited. In remembrance, attendees dip their fingers in their wineglasses and sprinkle drops on the table, a drop for each plague.

Similar traditions take place during the holiday all over the world.

Rabbi Peggy Berman deProphetis of Congregation Beth Shalom will be attending a Seder in Barcelona, Spain, this year.

“However we do a Seder this year, wherever we are, let’s focus on the important message — freedom from oppression and the right to self-determine our own nationhood,” she said. “It’s an important and timeless message.

“And with the Seder, we remember our past struggle, and we also give thanks for the freedom we enjoy to be members of the Jewish people today.”

Jewish Federations aiding Ukrainians

The Jewish Federations of North America, which represents 146 independent groups, including the Jewish Federation of Delaware, said it has not forgotten its communities in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.

The agency said it has allocated $40 million of the $43.4 million it has raised to 35 nongovernmental organizations operating on the ground in Ukraine and in neighboring countries to support refugees and Jewish communities.

According to its estimates, funds have already had impact in the following ways:

• 12,100 refugees have been fed and housed.
• 7,000 refugees have received on-the-ground support in Ukraine.
• 5,500-plus Jewish Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Israel.
• 7,800 beds have been rented.
• 55,000-plus calls have been received at various hotlines.
• 18,000 Jewish elderly and 2,500 poor Jewish children have been assisted.

“Jewish Federations have a clear strategy for saving Jews around the world,” said president and CEO Eric Fingerhut. “The skill and expertise we have been witnessing in the relief efforts in Ukraine and in the bordering countries is the result of years of our experience, training, relationship building and fundraising.

“The impact of the refugee crisis and the devastation is going to be with us for a long time, and Jewish Federations are committed to providing support and advocacy from the front lines long after the headlines go away.”

For information or to donate, visit here.