Dear Friends, It was during Passover 80 years ago that the Jews of Warsaw found the courage to rise up against an oppressor. Today, President Zelensky of Ukraine, a Jew, is like a modern Mordecai Anielewicz, the leader of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, inspiring his people in their fight for freedom. On this Shabbat of Pesach 5782 (2022), we pray for peace. We pray for courage for people everywhere who stand up against tyrants and Pharaohs. May the war in Europe end soon. May we be part of building a better future in the spirit of our Jewish prophets, “When nations shall turn their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Then nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor learn war anymore. And then all shall sit under their vine and fig tree and none shall be afraid.” As we come to the end of Pesach, may we remember at Yizkor those we have lost, as well as those of other nations and lands who have given the ultimate sacrifice in their Pesadich (Passover-like) struggle for Freedom. Pesach Shabbat Shalom, May it be a Passover Shabbat of Peace, Rabbi David Wilfond |