A Passover Message from Gayle Rubenstein

Welcome spring, and the celebration of the Jewish escape from slavery in Egypt. Passover tells us about the relentless quest for human freedom. We have endured persecution for thousands of years, and, still today, we watch as persecution continues in Ukraine and many places around the world. Our grandchildren living in the United States take freedom for granted. We remind them that we were once enslaved and encourage them to have compassion and understanding for others who are persecuted.

Having emerged from three years of the COVID pandemic, we have seen the sad and disappointing colors of humanity itself. For many of us, especially young people, it can feel like the world has been turned upside down, with social media and overwhelming changes, to use this time to obtain personal freedom and let go of what personally confines them.

As our family gathers around the Pesach table and enjoys a beautifully prepared meal, we will express gratitude. Dayenu, as we sing after the meal, will inspire us to be grateful for what we have and recognize that everything we have now is enough!

Gayle Rubenstein is the owner of Balloons Over Atlanta and Event Visions.