Finding Joy This Passover in a Time of War

Every year, we look forward to Passover, the Festival of Freedom. It brings a sense of renewal, fresh beginnings, white clothing, and the uplifting experience of retelling the Exodus from Egypt.

But this year feels different.

For many of us outside of Israel, Passover preparations continue as usual, with cleaning, cooking, and planning the Seder. Yet our hearts are not in just one place. We are thinking of our brothers and sisters in Israel, who are preparing for the holiday under very different circumstances, cleaning their homes between alerts and sirens.

The contrast is hard to ignore.

The Challenge of Joy

One of the most difficult mitzvot right now is joy. And yet, on Passover, we are commanded not only to be joyful, but to be only joyful.

That can feel complicated.

For years, I found myself reflecting on the Hebrew word ach, meaning “only.” Sometimes, joy does not come naturally. Sometimes it needs encouragement, intention, even effort.

Joy is a mitzvah, but it does not always arrive on its own. At times, we need to gently bring it into our hearts.

How Do We Hold Joy in a Time Like This?

It is not simple, but it is possible.

Even from afar, we can hold both awareness and joy at the same time.

Here are three practical ways to approach this Passover:

Remember What Has Been Given

Passover is built on the mitzvah to remember.

When we reflect on the kindness Hashem has shown us, both as a people and in our personal lives, something shifts. We reconnect to gratitude and to the gift of being here, alive, supported, and able to celebrate.

At the same time, we can hold space in our hearts for those in Israel who are experiencing a more difficult reality.

Talk about this at your Seder. Share gratitude, but also awareness. Help your children understand both the blessings we have and the strength of those living through hardship.

Create Joy From the Outside In

Joy does not always begin from within. Sometimes, we build it through action.

A beautifully set table, fresh flowers, glowing candles, and small touches around the home can create an atmosphere of warmth and meaning.

These details matter. They help us enter the holiday with intention.

And as we create that environment, we can do so with an added layer of connection, holding in mind those who are celebrating under very different conditions.

Reconnect Through Food and Tradition

Food has a unique way of connecting us, not only to our past, but to each other.

Traditional Passover recipes, passed down through generations, carry memory and emotion. Even one familiar dish can bring back the feeling of home and continuity.

Around the table, as we share these foods, we can also share stories, memories, and a sense of unity with Jews everywhere, including those in Israel.

A Shared Story, A Shared Strength

This year, joy may feel more complex.

It may be quieter, more thoughtful, more intentional.

But it is still possible.

Passover reminds us that even in the hardest times, redemption begins to unfold. As we celebrate, we can hold both joy and empathy, gratitude and awareness.

And in doing so, we strengthen not only our own experience of the holiday, but our connection to the entire Jewish people.

Chag Sameach.