A Passover Message from Lilli Jennison
Lilli Jennison shares her thoughts and inspiration for Passover this year.
What We Shouldn’t Pass Over
As we gather to celebrate Passover, I’ve been thinking about what this holiday truly means. It’s a time to remember our history — how our ancestors struggled, survived, and found freedom. But beyond the story of the Exodus, this season reminds me of how important it is to notice the things we shouldn’t “pass over” in our own lives — the people we love, the moments we often take for granted, and the blessings that surround us every day.
This year has been a reminder of how fleeting life can be, and how precious the people in it truly are. In January, our family said goodbye to my great aunt, Shirley, who passed away at the age of 96. She lived a full and beautiful life, filled with love, wisdom, and strength. Her absence is deeply felt, and she will be missed every day. But her legacy — her kindness, her stories, and her spirit — will never be forgotten. She taught me that time is a gift, and we should spend it meaningfully, with the people we love and doing the things that bring us peace and purpose.
In the spirit of not passing over the beauty in everyday life, I’ve found deep comfort in the simple joys of my own routines — reading a book that keeps me up too late, getting lost in a new crochet pattern, and spending real, quality time with family and friends. These quiet moments have become my refuge. They remind me that even when the world feels overwhelming, there’s still so much good in it — so much to be grateful for.
This year, I’ll be celebrating the first night of Passover with a small, cozy Seder alongside my immediate family. There’s something incredibly special about those quieter gatherings — sharing stories, blessings, and laughter around the table with the people I see most often, but don’t always take the time to slow down with. Then, on the second night, we’ll come together for a big extended family Seder. I’m so thankful to have such a large and loving family.
But we can’t ignore the difficult truths either. Antisemitism is terrifyingly present in today’s world. The rising hatred, the ignorance, the violence — it’s hard to process. It’s hard to believe we still have to defend our right to exist, to gather, to celebrate. And it’s deeply personal for me, because my grandfather is a Holocaust survivor. His story is a reminder of how fragile freedom really is, and how fiercely we must protect it. He was incredibly brave — surviving unimaginable loss and pain and still choosing to live a life filled with love and family. His courage and resilience run through our veins. And every Passover, I think of him. I think of how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go.
So, this year, let’s not pass over the opportunity to see one another. To call our loved ones. To hold our grandparents’ hands a little longer. To savor the laughter of a shared meal. Let’s not pass over the chance to speak up, to be kind, to show up for each other in big and small ways. Let’s tell our stories. Let’s make space for joy and grief, for memory and hope.
May this Passover be a time of renewal and connection. May we remember those we’ve lost, cherish those we hold close, and may we never pass over what matters most.
Lilli Jennison is the Creative Director of Atlanta Jewish Times.
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