The Paradox of Passover 2025 - with Rachel Goldberg Polin
Apr 7, 2025
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Rachel Goldberg, a professional Jewish educator and mother of Hirsch, who was taken hostage in Gaza, shares profound insights on Passover. She discusses the emotional weight of this year’s holiday amidst the ongoing crisis, highlighting the themes of suffering and remembrance. The conversation also covers the importance of the Haggadah in shaping the Seder experience, the complexities of modern observance, and the delicate balance between mourning and celebration in the Jewish community. Goldberg emphasizes finding meaning and connection during these challenging times.
The tension of celebrating Passover amid the captivity of hostages in Gaza highlights the deeper meaning of freedom and suffering.
The Haggadah serves as a guide for engaging with tradition, encouraging dialogue that connects historical oppression to contemporary issues.
This year's Seder emphasizes the importance of asking critical questions, transforming ritual into a moment of solidarity and active engagement.
Deep dives
The Paradox of Passover
Passover this year presents a paradox as it coincides with the captivity of 59 hostages in Gaza, raising profound questions about the meaning of freedom during a celebration that commemorates liberation from slavery. The tension lies in the celebration of freedom while acknowledging the suffering of those still bound by captivity. This year, many find it difficult to fully engage with the Passover traditions when people are enduring extreme hardship. The reflection on bondage and the obligation to remember those who are still oppressed brings an urgent weight to the Seder.
The Role of the Haggadah
The Haggadah serves as the central text for the Seder, guiding participants through the rituals and the story of the Exodus. It emphasizes storytelling and learning, highlighting the importance of engaging with both tradition and critical questioning. The structure allows for dialogue between different personality types at the Seder table, promoting discussion and deeper understanding of the themes of liberation and obligation. Especially this year, it’s essential for the Seder to incorporate contemporary issues and provoke heartfelt discussions about the meaning of freedom and suffering.
Active Participation in the Seder
Traditionally, attending a Seder involves participation from all attendees, and the youngest members lead the questioning of why this night is different. This year, the notion of asking questions becomes crucial, centering around the themes of suffering faced by hostages and the broader Jewish experience. The Seder should not just be a mere ritual; it should be an active engagement that illuminates the current crises and reflects on personal responsibilities towards those who are in bondage. Each participant is encouraged to bring unique insights and questions to the table, ensuring that the conversation remains relevant and impactful.
Integrating Contemporary Struggles
This Passover, there is a strong call to incorporate the suffering of the hostages into the Seder, making the celebration a platform for collective mourning and reflection. Rather than adhering strictly to traditional questions, participants are urged to focus on one critical question: 'Why are they still there?' This specific inquiry aims to challenge the comfort of the Seder experience and drive home the reality faced by those still trapped in danger. By integrating contemporary struggles into the rituals, the Seder transforms into a moment of solidarity with the oppressed, enhancing the meaning of liberation.
Community and Connection During Crisis
The shared experience of crisis binds communities together during these challenging times, as shown by gatherings that embrace shared grief and support. Many emphasize the importance of joining together in silence and solidarity, creating a space for community connection amidst trauma. The significance of sharing stories of resilience and hope, as seen in the narratives of hostages who survived, reinforces the need for community support during the darkest moments. This reinforces the belief that through unity and shared purpose, individuals can find strength and hope, even in the absence of those who are physically missing.
Jews began celebrating Passover during the actual exodus from Egypt, sometime in the 13th–15th century BCE, and the tradition has continued—evolving but unbroken—ever since. To honor this tradition, we will be doing something different on this Call me Back episode - we will be talking about Passover, and about what this tradition can teach us about this paradoxical moment.
With us today is Rachel Goldberg, who – for most of her career – was a professional Jewish educator. We wanted to speak with her as we prepare for our seders.
Items discussed in this episode:
BOOK: A Cold War Exodus: How American Activists Mobilized to Free Soviet Jews, by Shaul Kelner
