Festival of Freedom: Jewish Californians Prepare to Celebrate Passover

Edward Henderson | California Black Media (CBM) – Jewish families across California are preparing to celebrate Passover (also known as Pesach), one of Judaism’s most significant holidays, from sundown on April 22, to sundown on April 30.   The holiday stands as a testament to the resilience of the Jewish people and their journey from bondage to freedom. Passover is a time of reflection, celebration, and unity, according to adherents and religious scholars. In anticipation of the holy season, last week, Gov. Newsom announced $40 million round in continual state funding to harden security at at-risk institutions in the state, including Jewish organizations and non-profits. “These funds also send a powerful message, particularly at a moment when antisemitism is surging and so many of our community are feeling on edge,” read a statement released April 10 by the leadership of the California Jewish Legislative Caucus (CJLC). The funding, provided by the Governor’s office through the California State Non-Profit Security Grant Program, has provided over $120 million over the last three budget years to various groups in the state. CJLC Co-Chairs Sen. Scott Weiner (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), along with Vice Chair Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) signed the...