A Passover Message from Ronit Franco-Pinsky

April 12, 2025

Passover, the holiday of freedom, has always had a special place in my heart. This year, more than ever, the meaning of freedom feels particularly jarring. Fifty-nine of our brothers and sisters are in captivity in Gaza and will be away from home, separated from their families for the second Passover in a row. Their families won’t be participating in the traditional Seder but rather will sit at the table in the hostages’ square with empty seats for their loved ones — a reality we still can’t fully fathom.

My childhood memories take me back to large Seder tables filled with my entire family, along with many of my cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. The food was always delicious, and it wasn’t the typical Passover food I have experienced elsewhere. We didn’t serve gefilte fish; instead, we had fish meatballs. The chopped liver was vegetarian and amazing. As Sephardic Jews, we also eat “Kitniyot,” and one of our favorites is wet matzah with chocolate spread called “Shahar.” Only those from Israel can truly understand how mouth-watering it is. It reminded me so much of home.

This year, we are celebrating the first night at the home of our fabulous friend, Elaine, who is a chef/caterer at Silver Spoon Catering. I can’t wait to see how delicious the food will be. We are going to experience top-notch Passover food, and I’m so excited! For the second night, my daughter and I will host the Seder at my house. As a tradition, we always invite non-Jewish guests and friends to experience the holiday with us. We let them read from the Haggadah and ask questions. They love to sing the songs, especially “Dayenu.” Surprisingly, my children’s non-Jewish friends are very interested in the Jewish holidays. The Seder is an experience they never forget.

My last wish is for all the hostages to return home safe and alive, to be reunited with their families so they never have to celebrate another holiday alone. I also pray that those who have fallen may be buried with honor, at home, among their loved ones.

Ronit Franco-Pinsky is the Executive Assistant for Atlanta Jewish Times.