Life as we know it is no longer the same. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has made sure of that. We are all hunkering down and staying away from everyone we know apart from those living with us.
What does this mean for all the important holidays coming up next month – Pesach (Jewish), Easter (Christian), Ramadan (Muslim), Rama Navami (Hindu), and more – all of which are major holidays that bring family and friends together?
According to Prof. Michael Avioz, Head of the Zalman Shamir Bible Department at Bar-Ilan University, the Coronavirus has caused, and will cause, harm to many areas of our lives, but as people of faith, we believe that there is no bad without good.
“The current crisis brings us back to our beginnings,” he said. “Now is a great time to remember that the first Passover more than 3,000 years ago was celebrated by families in isolation.
“One of the important lessons we can all take from this first Passover in Exodus 12 is the togetherness of the families of the children of Israel. We all spend too many hours at work, hardly seeing our children and spouses. Although the restrictions imposed by the Israeli government (and others) can lead to tensions and unpleasant feelings, they can also have a very positive impact, namely, time together with our family.”
“Home means life and protection, as is symbolized by the blood on the doorposts. The first Passover was observed in individual homes,” Prof. Avioz continued.
It is also important to remember that the Last Supper, cherished by Christians all over the world, was also a Passover celebrated by a small group of people in the upper room of a home.
“In this difficult time, we should reflect upon the first Passover and learn from our forefathers how to empower the relationships between all members of our family,” he said.
“This holiday season, when we will all sit together, let’s bring up memories, tell stories, play, eat, and let us thank God for this special occasion to go back to our beginnings. All these activities will definitely help us in uniting our family, imitating the simplicity inherent in the very first Passover.
“In 1958, Theodor Herzl Gaster, a biblical scholar known for his work on comparative religion, mythology, and the history of religions, wrote that the purpose of the Passover meal was ‘to re-cement ties of kinship, infuse new life into the family, and renew the bonds of mutual protection at the beginning of each year’.
“Let us hope that our family ties will be stronger and new life will begin, since ‘in Nissan, they (Israel) were redeemed, and in Nissan, they will be redeemed again.” (Rosh Hashanah 11b) [Note: Nissan is the first month of the Hebrew Bible.]
For those who are alone in their apartments without family or friends, don’t forget the incredible technology we all have at our fingertips. All you have to do is set up a Zoom, Skype, Whatsapp, or FaceTime video and you can be right there at the Seder table with them.
And don’t forget to set up your own Seder plate, prepare a delicious meal for yourself, and open a Haggadah so you can follow along. If you need recipes or help preparing food, there are many online resources for you.
Chag Pesach Sameach! Next year in Jerusalem!
We’re all in it together
As we know, it is not only Jews whose celebrations will be affected by the Coronavirus in April. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Bahá’í, and others will have to cancel their plans as well.
This is a perfect time and opportunity to remind ourselves of what is important in life, and help others in whatever way we can.
Let’s show our compassion, understanding, and altruism, and support those around us while making sure we stay well and healthy – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Whether it’s starting a musical flash mob on your balcony, shopping for the elderly, volunteering your support through phone or digital contact, or donating to organizations helping the needy, this is your time to show how much you care.
Crises can bring out the worst in human nature, but it can also bring out the best. Regardless of faith, let us channel the spirit of these celebrations and consider those around us. Look out for each other and let us do everything we can to make it through this period – by turning the darkness into light.
Wishing you happy holidays and a beautiful spring from everyone at Bar-Ilan University’s International School!
