This Monday evening marks the first night of Passover, the Jewish festival celebrating the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Jews all over the world will observe Passover with a seder, a ritual-laden meal that essentially recounts the origin story of the Jewish people. But for many American Jews, this Passover night will feel different from previous ones.
The Passover seder includes myriad references to Israel and traditionally ends with the words, “Next year in Jerusalem!” Furthermore, depending on one’s politics, the seder offers countless opportunities to see one’s self in the role of the victim, or the oppressor. In the wake of October 7 and Israel’s bombardment on Gaza, gathering with family promises to be a fraught experience, particularly for Jews from Zionist families who no longer identify with Zionism.
