Freedom, Responsibility, and Resilience: Preparing for Passover in Today’s World

There is something timeless about Passover.

Each year, we sit around tables filled with matzah, wine, and the symbols of our ancestors’ journey from slavery to freedom. We tell the story of the Exodus—a story of courage, of leadership, and of faith in the face of the unknown. It’s a story that binds us together, across generations and continents.

But this year, like so many in recent memory, we tell that story in a world that feels increasingly uncertain. We carry with us not only the traditions of our people, but also a deep and pressing responsibility: to protect our communities, to care for one another, and to ensure that our sacred spaces remain safe havens for all who enter.

As synagogues prepare for larger services, as schools and community centers host Seders and celebrations, we are reminded that resilience is not only part of our past—it must also be part of our present.

At the Jewish Emergency Preparedness Project (JEPP), we are deeply committed to helping Jewish communities across the country strengthen their security while honoring the spirit of the holidays. In that light, here are a few heartfelt reminders as we approach Passover this year:

1. Renew Your Sense of Preparedness

Holidays are a time of joy—but they can also be moments of vulnerability. Take a few minutes to review your emergency plans with staff and volunteers. A short conversation about roles and procedures can make a lasting difference if a crisis ever occurs.

2. Open the Door—and Call the Guard

Just as we open our doors to Elijah, we must also stay alert to those who may pose a risk. Contact your local police department to inform them of any planned events. Most departments are eager to support and protect our gatherings when they know they’re happening.

3. Strengthen the Gates

Review how people are entering and exiting your building. Are your security cameras working? Are entrances monitored? Do you have the right systems in place to welcome guests while also protecting your community?

4. Lean on Your Team

If you have an Emergency Response Team or point people for security, now is the time to check in. Revisit your communication chain. A quick meeting—even virtual—can renew a shared sense of mission and readiness.

5. Cultivate Awareness, Not Fear

Fear is not the Jewish way. Awareness is. Encourage your community to speak up if they see something unusual or feel uneasy. Let them know who to contact. Creating a culture of attentiveness is the best way to stay ahead of threats while keeping the spirit of the holiday alive.

Carrying the Story Forward

We often say at the Seder: “In every generation, each person must see themselves as if they personally came out of Egypt.”

This isn’t just a call to remember—it’s a call to act. To carry forward the lessons of our history with courage. To take responsibility for one another. To create sanctuaries of safety in an unpredictable world.

At JEPP, we believe that every Jewish institution—whether a synagogue, a school, a JCC, or a summer camp—deserves to celebrate our holidays with both joy and security. If your organization would benefit from additional guidance or training before Passover, our team is here to support you.

May this Passover bring you and your loved ones moments of reflection, connection, and hope. May it be safe. And may it be free.

Chag Pesach Sameach!