Chelsea once experienced a near-complete shutdown of commerce and activity each year during Passover, a phenomenon that has long since faded into history. The Jewish population that once comprised a significant portion of this city’s demographic makeup and cultural identity has diminished considerably, with other immigrant communities and their distinct traditions now shaping the city’s character. Yet among the Jewish residents who remain in Chelsea, the observance of Passover continues uninterrupted—a practice that has endured for more than 5,000 years without fundamental change. This holiday commemorates the Jewish people’s liberation from bondage in ancient Egypt, and simultaneously marks the commencement of their 40-year sojourn through the Sinai Desert, which ultimately led to the Diaspora—the scattering of Jewish tribes across the globe to virtually every region. To our Jewish friends and readers in this community, we extend wishes for a Happy and healthy Passover. The historic declaration of “let my people go” carries particular resonance in today’s Middle East, where numerous populations across many countries continue their own struggles for personal freedom and democratic governance.
For Our Jewish Friends
