By Ethan Rode

Passover has always been one of my favourite holidays. As a child, I looked forward to this time of year because of the activities we did at Hebrew school and with my family.

Going through the seder rituals at Hebrew school is one of my favourite memories — sitting next to my friends and singing Chad Gadya and the Four Questions together with gusto. It was during these seders that I first discovered I actually liked hard-boiled eggs and the taste of parsley dipped in salt water. Sharing these experiences with friends made the memories especially meaningful.

Some years, my parents would pull my brother and me out of school to celebrate with my grandparents, who were snowbirds living in Fort Lauderdale. Though not entirely absent and always just a phone call away, spending this quality time with my grandparents as Grandpop led the seder was a treasure for me as a child, since I missed them so much during the winter months.

All these memories came into new focus recently, when I was able to include my non-Jewish partner in the holiday celebration for the very first time. Last year, my birthday coincided with Passover, giving us an extra reason to visit my family in Philadelphia. Even though many of my relatives have now lapsed in their observance of seder rituals and other Passover traditions, during this special visit everyone was especially engaged and enthusiastic so that my partner could take part, learn, and enjoy the holiday.

Seeing the experience through his eyes brought back my childhood feelings of awe. He listened intently as we went through the Haggadah, learning about the different parts of the seder plate, hearing us sing a spirited rendition of Dayenu, and asking the Four Questions. His curiosity and fresh insight reminded me of parts of the festival I hadn’t thought about since I was young. I suddenly recalled my own wonder when I first learned about the symbols on the seder plate — like why we dip a vegetable in salt water, and why we eat charoset. Even the retelling of the Exodus and the dramatic naming of the plagues took on new meaning.

He also experienced his first tastes of matzah and gefilte fish — which, as we all know, is an acquired taste! For someone who didn’t grow up with these delicacies, he took to the cuisine better than any of us could have expected.

This joyful holiday experience felt especially meaningful in the aftermath of the horrors of October 7. It reconnected me to cherished childhood memories and helped me reflect on the core values that make me proud to be Jewish. Sharing that with my supportive partner was deeply uplifting.

The Passover story — how our people overcame slavery and arrived in the Land of Israel —always grounds me in my Jewish identity. Knowing what my ancestors endured, and that we survived to pass on so many beautiful traditions, is something truly unique in the history of the world’s peoples.

When facing adversity, it can be difficult to remember the many examples of resilience and triumph. Passover is a joyous reminder of survival against all odds. In the face of rising antisemitism, it resonates even more as an opportunity to connect with those we love, or with new friends, and celebrate our peoplehood.

To help with your celebration, I’m happy to share this recipe, which closely resembles my family’s favourite Passover dessert: sponge cake. I asked my mom where the original recipe came from, and she believes my grandmother first found it in the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent, but she's been baking it for so long that the source is now a mystery!

Wishing you and all the ones you hold dear a happy Passover. 

Chag Pesach Sameach!

Visit the community calendar for events and seders near you.

-- Ethan is the Communications and Social Media Specialist at the Jewish Federation of Ottawa.