IT'S PASSOVER. IF YOU’RE NOT JEWISH, THIS IS FOR YOU …

HERE IS THE EASIEST AND MOST IMPACTFUL THING YOU CAN DO TO SUPPORT YOUR JEWISH FRIENDS.

At the Passover seder, every family reenacts the Exodus from slavery in Egypt.

Since October 7, 2023, many non-Jews have come to realize the depth and breadth of antisemitism in our society and our neighborhoods.

It didn’t start on October 7 — but that’s not my point today.

My point today is that Passover starts tomorrow. And that creates a great opportunity to have a deeply meaningful impact in your circles of influence.

A lot of us spend a great deal of time intellectually addressing antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Some of us show up at rallies or do other things to support the Jewish people and Israel.

Sometimes we forget that the greatest impact we can have is often the easiest.

As I have been writing these posts for more than a year now, I have sometimes wondered what the point is of “preaching to the converted” (maybe not the most relevant idiom to choose). Most of my readers are either Jewish or share my perspective that Jewish people need allies. I am not changing many minds, I don’t think. So why do I do it?

Substack is different from social media because you sort of have to read for five minutes in order to engage. The social media haters don’t invest the time. (Plus, since facts are not on their side, antisemites and anti-Zionists tend to engage mostly in slogans and memes, so intellectual engagement is an uneven and unfamiliar playing field for them, so they stay away.)

Here is what I have found, though: My writing empowers Jewish people who might otherwise feel entirely alone. I hate to say it — because we know from opinion polls that most people align more with Jews and Israel than with their enemies — but allies of Jewish people are remarkably silent. There are reasons for this, I think but, again, this is not my point today.

My point today is simple …

Passover starts at sundown tomorrow. This is a good excuse to take a moment to phone or message your Jewish friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and anyone else you know with a quick note. (Phoning might not be ideal. Observant Jews are pretty busy with family right now. Think of your phone ringing at 6 pm Christmas night.)

This is not political. It shouldn’t even be any more contentious than saying (again with the ethnocentric Christmas motif!) “Merry Christmas” to your neighbors at the appropriate moment.

But I know from experience that your message will be deeply meaningful.

So many Jewish people have told me that the most painful thing in the past year and a half has not been the hate messages of their enemies, but the often-total silence of their friends.

Break that silence.

In case you do not know what Passover is all about (no, it’s not “Jewish Easter”) here is a primer.

In short, this holiday reenacts the ancient Hebrew people’s Exodus from slavery in Egypt. This reenactment takes place at the dinner table, in a ritualized meal called a “seder.” (Which means “order” — as in, an orderly proceeding of events, not as in, “May I take your order?”)

During the Exodus, of course, the Jewish people, via Moses, received the Torah on Mount Sinai and entered into a covenant with God. In Jewish tradition, this is not history; it’s current events. Every Jewish soul ever living or yet to be born is said to have been present at that moment, and so the seder is a reliving of that experience. And it all happens right at the family dinner table.

Passover always has special, immediate resonance for Jews, of course. There are always lessons to be taken about freedom and redemption.

Since October 7, 2023, the reality of captive Jews in Gaza makes the freedom story immediately significant. The explosion of antisemitism ever since makes the story of Pharaoh and historic oppressors sadly urgent.

The message of escaping from oppressors and reviving one’s self-determination in a promised land is no less significant.

But that’s all gravy. You don’t need to know all this. (Though there is no end of material online if you do want to learn more.)

Here is what I am asking you to do.

The briefest message from you to your Jewish friends and acquaintances right now would make a world of difference.

Stay away from politics — that’s not what it’s about. Just be a good human.

These are difficult times and I know that a lot of us don’t have the right words. I’ve got words. Gawd knows, I’ve got words. Use mine.

I’m sure they won’t mind if they find out you swiped them from me. It’s the thought that counts.

Try this …

I’m just writing to wish you a meaningful and peaceful Passover. I know this year carries extra weight, and I just want you to know I’m thinking of you. May this season of freedom bring strength, healing, and connection. Chag sameach.

Or this …

As you mark Passover this year, I want to acknowledge not just the story of liberation, but the very real challenges you and your community are facing today. I’m holding space for that — and for you. Wishing you resilience, peace, and moments of joy amidst it all. Chag sameach.

Or maybe this …

Wishing you and your loved ones a meaningful Passover. I know this year may feel different, and heavier. I’m sending you strength, solidarity, and the hope that this season brings some light and comfort.

Here’s another …

Passover reminds us of the journey from oppression to freedom — a story that feels especially relevant right now. Thinking of you this week, and holding close the resilience of your community.

There’s more …

As you gather for Passover, I hope the rituals and stories bring not just connection to tradition, but comfort in the face of these painful times. You’re in my heart this week, and always. Chag sameach.

Or keep it really brief …

This Passover, I’m sending love, respect, and support to you and your community. May you find moments of peace and strength in the story and spirit of this season.

Maybe this …

As I understand it, Passover is a time of remembering survival, resistance, and renewal. That message feels more powerful than ever. Wishing you courage, peace, and the freedom to feel held by those who care.

Whatever you say — just “Happy Passover” would suffice! — I’m sure it will mean more than you can imagine to the Jewish people in your life.

To my Jewish friends: Chag Pesach sameach!

*

A personal note …

I started this Substack because I thought my perspective as a progressive, gay, non-Jewish, Zionist Canadian offered something different to the dialogue about antisemitism, anti-Zionism, Palestinianism and peace. It actually never crossed my mind that people might give me money for it. When people started generously subscribing and donating, I threw myself into this project more, partly because I am a writer by trade and I am still building my RSPs for some distant retirement. Based on online advice (!) I started making my Saturday posts for “Paid Subscribers Only.” But, I modestly acknowledge, each one is too delicious to paywall. So I am going to assume that, if you like my stuff and want more of it, you’ll give if you can. If not, please share. (Please share regardless!) No more paywalls. But there may be other incentives I could offer. Not sure what. Got any ideas? Do folks want to get together for online discussions or see me compile some of these posts as a book? Let me know. Meanwhile, enjoy! (If that is the right word for these sometimes dark musings.)

If you want even more of my snappy smackdowns, consider making a one-time contribution. You can do so securely on PayPal by clicking here.