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Dear Bialik Community Members,
As the holiday of Passover approaches, I have found myself reflecting deeply on the timeless story that we retell each year: the journey of our people from slavery to freedom. The Haggadah reminds us:
“בכל דור ודור חייב אדם לראות את עצמו כאילו הוא יצא ממצרים” — in every generation, each of us must see ourselves as if we personally left Egypt. This sacred teaching is both a celebration and a charge: to recognize our freedom, yet also to confront the challenges that seek to limit it.
Today, as we witness rising antisemitism in our city and the ongoing threats against Israel, this message feels profoundly urgent. Just as our ancestors persevered against overwhelming odds, so, too, must we stand resilient, ensuring that Jewish life continues to thrive in every corner of our community. The story of the Exodus reminds us that liberation is never passive — it is earned through courage, persistence and faith in our shared identity.
It is in our Bialik students that I see this resilience most vividly. Soon, we will gather around our tables and hear their voices singing the songs of our tradition, leading us through the Seder with curiosity, joy and growing confidence. The time-honoured questions they ask and the answers they receive are the threads that connect us to generations who came before and to those who will come after. These moments are not just comforting, they are inspiring. They remind us why we continue to nurture Jewish education, culture and identity, especially in uncertain times.
Here at Bialik, the magic of Passover comes alive through our model Sederim. Across our two branches, we are holding 23 Sederim for students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8. Being part of these celebrations, I am constantly amazed by the depth of Hebrew literacy, the sophistication of the students’ knowledge and the confidence they display as they guide each other through the rituals. From naming the plagues to leading the blessings over matzah and wine, each student is participating in a living tradition that has carried our people for thousands of years. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our incredible teachers, who guide and nurture our students with warmth, expertise and an unwavering commitment to their growth and well-being.
Passover is a story of hope, of resilience, of transformation. It reminds us that whatever fears and threats we may be facing, our traditions, learning and common bonds will sustain us. In this season, let us take strength from our history, joy from our children’s voices and inspiration from the continuity of Jewish life that we see so vibrantly in our classrooms.
Wishing you and your family a meaningful, joyous and safe Passover.
Chag Pesach Kasher V’Sameach.