Monday was moment to pause, ponder and pray as Jewish New Yorkers marked the first night of Passover.

"The Pesach seder is one of those things that's been guiding the Jewish people for thousands of years,” said Rabbi Yossi Eliaev of Chabad of Clinton Hill and Pratt.

What You Need To Know

  • More than 34,000 people have died since the war broke out on October 7 — an estimated 33,000 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis

  • NYPD data shows a 45% increase in antisemitic hate crimes so far this year compared to the same period in 2023

  • Last week, the police department announced increased security measures at synagogues across the city during Passover

Congregants at the Chabad of Clinton Hill and Pratt sat around the seder plate Monday night to mark the Jewish holiday.

"It's a time for us to meditate, to take a break, to take a breather and say, 'I'm going to redeem myself, I'm going to get out there and make the world a better place and do what I'm here to do,’” said Rabbi Yossi.

Every year, Jews read the Haggadah which tells the story of Passover — one that details the Israelites exodus from Egypt and freedom from slavery.

Rabbi Yossi said each item on the Seder plate holds significance, "The bitter herbs which reminds us on one hand, we're remembering the bitterness that our forefathers went through but at the same time, we have the egg that represents the celebration."

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war is top of mind for many Jews this Passover. They said this holiday is a time to reflect.

“I’d like to really hone in on who I am and what I value because I’m not just ethnically Jewish, I’m ethically Jewish,” said Madds Dittmer, a student at Pratt.

More than 34,000 people have died since the war broke out on October 7 — an estimated 33,000 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis. Congregants say they find strength in their community.

“We commemorate the freedom of our people through slavery. And through this holiday, it’s also a chance to break the chains of our personal slavery,” said Daniel Wdowik, a congregant at Chabad of Clinton Hill and Pratt.

NYPD data shows a 45% increase in antisemitic hate crimes so far this year compared to the same period in 2023. Last week, the police department announced increased security measures at synagogues across the city during Passover. 

Rabbi Yossi said it's important that the Jewish people keep the faith.

"That hope that we end off the Seder with, 'For next year in Jerusalem with the redemption when everybody will be together and the world will be a brighter, more peaceful and beautiful place.' That hope to look forward to is so essential, especially during these times,” said Rabbi Yossi.

Passover is observed for eight days and concludes on April 30.