Ronit Franco-Pinsky’s Passover Message for 2026
For our Passover holiday issue, we invited members of our staff and community to share their responses.
Being a “good Jew” can’t be measured by just one aspect. Our identity is layered, complex, and rich. At the core, being a good person comes first, living with morals, integrity, ethics, and respect for others. That is what makes someone a true mensch.
As an Israeli, my instinct is to say that supporting Israel is my sole responsibility as a Jew living abroad. And while supporting Israel is essential to me — and always will be my priority, it’s not the only thing that defines my Jewish identity. Still, I hope Jews in the diaspora truly understand how important this support is, especially in these extremely difficult devesting times.
We are witnessing antisemitism breaking records in harassment, hostility, and violence. Even with the wars and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Israel continues to be the safest home for the Jewish people. Jews in the diaspora must continue to block out the background noise of anti-Israel and anti-Zionist lies and propaganda. Israel is one of the most complex countries in the world and faces relentless and often unjustified hate — much of it rooted in ignorance, and ignorance is always dangerous. Now more than ever, we can use the voice of all Jews in diaspora.
The rituals, prayers, and celebrations of Jewish holidays with my family are an inseparable part of who I am. I love the traditions — much more than the strictly religious aspects. I believe in action over words, in kindness and community support being just as meaningful as attending temple on Shabbat or the High Holidays.
For me, the religious side of Judaism is about honoring the values of our past while fully embracing the responsibilities of the present. Upholding the heritage with pride, standing unwaveringly against hate, and choosing love, integrity, and positivity are central to our practice. Being a strong and visible representative of the Jewish people in daily life isn’t just important — it is one of the most meaningful commitments and core goals of being a great Jew.
Ronit Franco-Pinsky is the Executive Assistant for Atlanta Jewish Times.
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