As we approach Passover—a holiday symbolic for renewal, hope, and freedom—we cannot help but feel that the world couldn’t be further from these ideals at this present time. Here in Canada, as economic uncertainty curtails people's lives with thousands unsure of whether they’ll be keeping their job, and livelihood this year.
The holidays for some welcome relief. As they can find comfort with their loved ones during the holidays and in the familiarity of tradition. Passover is a holiday that for two nights and eight days compels us to come together with family and friends, and reflect on ancient teachings. The Seder begins by inviting “all who are in need” to celebrate Passover. This invitation sets the tone for the season, to extend a hand be it a neighbour or a stranger. Whether households take it upon themselves to commit to the action, the sentiment rings louder than ever before. It calls on us to act with compassion, empathy, and generosity.
In this issue, Niv wants to bring you stories that uplift and show the force of good that prevails. Read about the National Council for Jewish Women of Canada, Toronto’s Passover Food Drive which has served over 75,000 food boxes to residents in the Greater Toronto Area. Or, how a Queer, nonbinary Jew is bringing visibility of trans and gender nonconforming individuals into the ritual of shmira and tahara—preparing the deceased for burial. Or, how a rabbi is finding egalitarianism in ancient customs during Passover to make practices more inclusive.
Issue 24 showcases the immense talent, efforts and community-oriented work from Jews all over the world. There’s beautiful art, music, personal essays, poetry, and interviews to dig into and hopefully, for a few hours, give us an escape into Jewish joy.
Chag Pesach Same'ach,
Clarrie & Orly
As we approach Passover—a holiday symbolic for renewal, hope, and freedom—we cannot help but feel that the world couldn’t be further from these ideals at this present time. Here in Canada, as economic uncertainty curtails people's lives with thousands unsure of whether they’ll be keeping their job, and livelihood this year.
The holidays for some welcome relief. As they can find comfort with their loved ones during the holidays and in the familiarity of tradition. Passover is a holiday that for two nights and eight days compels us to come together with family and friends, and reflect on ancient teachings. The Seder begins by inviting “all who are in need” to celebrate Passover. This invitation sets the tone for the season, to extend a hand be it a neighbour or a stranger. Whether households take it upon themselves to commit to the action, the sentiment rings louder than ever before. It calls on us to act with compassion, empathy, and generosity.
In this issue, Niv wants to bring you stories that uplift and show the force of good that prevails. Read about the National Council for Jewish Women of Canada, Toronto’s Passover Food Drive which has served over 75,000 food boxes to residents in the Greater Toronto Area. Or, how a Queer, nonbinary Jew is bringing visibility of trans and gender nonconforming individuals into the ritual of shmira and tahara—preparing the deceased for burial. Or, how a rabbi is finding egalitarianism in ancient customs during Passover to make practices more inclusive.
Issue 24 showcases the immense talent, efforts and community-oriented work from Jews all over the world. There’s beautiful art, music, personal essays, poetry, and interviews to dig into and hopefully, for a few hours, give us an escape into Jewish joy.
Chag Pesach Same'ach,
Clarrie & Orly