1.Happy Passover

On Wednesday night we - like most American Jews - will be celebrating Passover. If one trusts the genesis of the Jewish calendar, the exodus took place some 3,300 years ago. As one might expect, there is a slavery issue in that region with millions of Iranians enslaved by their own fanatical leadership and the war to liberate them (there are other reasons for the war of course) seems to focus on a similar nautical conundrum: Who will part the sea at Hormuz?

At our community we have (as we always do) provided Kosher for Passover food for many who needed our support. Led as the effort is each year by Ellen Hull, food pick up (and in some cases home delivery) took place earlier this week and will be all done before the holiday.

Thank you Ellen, Myra and Michelle for distributing the food and thank all of you who donated funds to make the drive possible. If you have not yet donated and wish to, it is not too late. Go to jewishnewbedford.org and donate via PayPal. Chag Sameach to you and yours.

2.Breaking Matzoh

Looking ahead to a holiday far from loved ones and tradition, one young Jewish woman took a lemon (etrog?) and made the proverbial lemonade. Read about her experience in HeyAlma's "How to Make a Passover Seder Fun and Meaningful for Non-Jewish Guests."

"As the RSVPs started coming in, I realized only my non-Jewish friends could attend, as my Jewish friends went back home or traveled to see family for seder. I was apprehensive to host a seder for people who had never celebrated Passover before, plagued by the thought that they would find it boring or I wouldn’t explain it well. 

"At synagogue that week, I explained my dilemma to one of my friends who was going somewhere else for Passover. 'I don’t know what to do. Should I just cancel?' A force of reason in my life, she calmly said, 'This is actually great. This seder will be more for you than anyone else in attendance.' Her words stuck with me as I took the train back to my place. Without a pre-existing frame of reference my friends were going into this seder with open minds and hearts. 

"Meeting your guests where they are is a big skill in the art of hosting — and it’s so worth it. Being able to openly explain your traditions to a group who is willing and wanting to learn more about you is a religious experience in and of itself."

3.Mamdanistan and the People's Republic of Newsom

Approaching his 100th day in office in New York City, it is hard to name one Zohran Mamdani campaign promise kept and not too difficult to find many reneged on. His absence at progressive events has shocked BFFs like Bernie and AOC. Full disclosure: He did keep a promise to support street vendors of Halal food.

On the opposite coast, Forward columnist Rob Eshman shares, "Gavin Newsom isn't waffling on Israel - he's voicing sensible ideas in an era of outrage." "As Newsom explained on Tuesday, he used the term 'apartheid' in reference to a New York Times column by Thomas Friedman, who warned that if Israel continues down the path of annexing the West Bank, it runs the risk of becoming an apartheid regime.

'And that is a legitimate concern I have, that I share with Tom,' Newsom told Politico.

"Israel’s creeping annexation of the West Bank, advancing a longstanding goal of many members of the current Israeli government, would result in a state whose boundaries contain about 7 million Jews and 7 million Arabs. That would mean the loss of Israel’s Jewish identity, if all incorporated Arabs are given full rights. If they aren’t — at this point the much more likely scenario — it means apartheid. The vast majority of American Jews, and Americans, support Israel as a Jewish democratic state. The 'democratic' part of that is not optional."

How are the two opposite sides of the country connected, you ask? It is only a matter of time (my opinion) before Mamdani uses anti-Zionist rhetoric to reunite his disappointed minions including (but not limited to) the members of the "as a Jew" party. Yes, the policies of this current Israeli government are inexcusable, but don't let that distract you from what really is the message here. 

4.Persian Roulette

If you think "the US is working on options for a 'final blow' to Iran that could see American ground troops deployed on Iranian soil," that makes one of us. In fact, planning ahead seems to be lacking throughout.

The sources that said "if attempts to negotiate an end to the conflict with Iran do not bear fruit, and the Iranians continue to hamper shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the US could initiate a major strike that would serve a dual purpose — improving the American position in possible further talks with Tehran, and potentially allowing US President Donald Trump to end the war unilaterally with an ostensible victory image," are likely as reliable as betting red (or black) at the roulette table. With that in mind here is more from The Times of Israel: "US said mulling 'final blow' options if Iran talks fail, including sending troops to seize key assets."

5.Curb Your Antisemitism

Say what you want about video games, the fact is - as anyone with young children and grandchildren knows - they're going nowhere soon. Even if you are not a gamer, it's good to know that someone, somewhere is monitoring content.

"The online video game Fortnite tops the Anti-Defamation League’s 'leaderboard' ranking online video game companies on their efforts to curb antisemitism and extremism on their platforms.

"The Online Gaming Leaderboard, which the antisemitism watchdog billed as the 'first comprehensive public evaluation' of how online multiplayer games address antisemitism, ranked 10 popular online games based on safety features, moderation, player protections and written policies meant to address antisemitism and hate.

"Fortnite was followed at the top of the rankings by Grand Theft Auto Online, Call of Duty and Minecraft. Games labeled as having 'limited protection' by the ADL included Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG: Battlegrounds."

6.Love Us a Jewish Food Influencer

"Jamie Milne, the Toronto-based recipe developer and founder of Everything Delish, has built a devoted following of 2.5 million on TikTok and nearly 900,000 on Instagram by making home cooking approachable, flavorful, and fun. Known for her bold flavors and simple steps, Milne has turned everyday meals into culinary adventures, inspiring thousands to try recipes they might have thought were 'too complicated.'

"On Sept. 1, 2026, Milne will publish her debut cookbook, Everything Delish: 100+ Simple Recipes for Making What You Want to Eat — and Nailing It Every Time.  She shares the story behind her recipes, her approach to cooking, and even a special dish perfect for Passover in this Jewish Journal article. Below are three recipes found on her website. (Like what you see? Open the link above for more.)

For Your Calendar

Yom HaShoah Commemoration at the New Bedford Holocaust Memorial

Monday, April 13, 5:15 PM