By Klara GUDZYK, The Day
April 1 (Nisan 14) marked the beginning of Pesach (Passover), a major Judaic
holiday lasting eight days, commemorating the Exodus of the Israelites
from Egypt, as described in the Torah. Leaving Egypt in search of the Promised
Land was the first important step toward the formation of the Jewish people,
actually marking the beginning of Jewish history. Even today the ritual
reminds one of the bitterness of slavery and sweetness of freedom. On this
occasion the Jews offer up thanks for their liberation. Remarkably, the
faithful regard the rites as part of recent history, rather than dating
from thousands of years ago. Jews are keenly aware of the continuity of
their national history and their personal involvement.
In today's Ukraine, Jews are free to profess their religion, form religious
communities (almost 100 to date), and receive a religious education. There
are 53 synagogues and more are being built. Not long ago, after much red
tape, Kyiv Jews finally regained possession of the historic synagogue built
by noted patron Brodsky a hundred years ago.
Asked by The Day, Chief Rabbi Jacob Dov Bleich of Kyiv and Ukraine
sent his greetings to all our Jewish readers and recalled that "Pesach
is a holiday of Jewish freedom gained 3,311 years ago. Freedom is the quintessence
and the most important meaning of this holiday, a sign and a lesson for
all peoples of the world. No people should be persecuted. People must respect
each other's way of life, traditions, and faith. On this holiday the Jews
eat matzoth (ancient Jewish cracker) or matzo (unleavened bread), meant
to remind one that there are times of prosperity and misery, and that when
prosperous, one must remember to help those in need. Thus, unity and mutual
assistance are the main thing in the life of all people. We wish one and
all to live happily and peacefully, so we all eat unleavened bread only
symbolically, as a reminder of that distant time when we left Egypt."







