As the month of Nisan unfolds, bringing with it the first whispers of spring, many of us find ourselves immersed in cherished Passover preparations. What does this season look like in your home? Perhaps you’re gently unwrapping family heirlooms—a grandparent’s Seder plate or kiddush cup—each piece carrying stories as rich as the traditions they serve. Maybe you’re leafing through handwritten recipe cards, their edges softened by time and love. In our own homes, we always look forward to rediscovering those precious handmade creations our children made as preschoolers—hand-printed matzah covers, hand-decorated Elijah’s cups, and colorful afikomen bags that have become beloved parts of our family traditions. In these quiet moments of preparation, we connect not just to the objects, but to the memories they hold and the people they represent.
This beautiful time of renewal and remembrance defines the essence of Nisan. As winter changes to spring around us, we prepare to commemorate our ancestors’ journey from slavery to freedom. The Passover story speaks to us of transformation—showing how the cold of winter gives way to the renewal of spring, and how grief can give way, eventually, to healing.
The Seder table is where these connections come alive—traditions intertwining with the presence of loved ones, all nourished by community. Yet for those grieving, an empty chair can feel like a silent echo of absence. Still, in gathering together, in speaking openly about those we miss, we often discover unexpected comfort within our loss
This year, many of us will also be mindful of another kind of absence—the hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza. As we recite the words of our Haggadah, “This year we are slaves; next year may we be free,” their plight feels especially poignant. We pray for their safe return to their families’ tables, and for peace in Israel. Am Yisrael Chai.
To support those navigating grief during this season, JFCS is hosting “The Empty Chair at the Seder” on Tuesday, April 1. This thoughtful workshop, co-facilitated by Reva Farenback-Brateman, our Geriatric Case Manager & Community Educator, and Rabbi Richard Address, Director of Jewish Sacred Aging and JFCS Board member, beautifully illustrates the collaboration between our staff and Board. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, please reach out to Reva at (856) 424-1333 ext. 1184 to RSVP.
Finding meaningful ways to honor a loved one’s memory can transform moments of sorrow into opportunities for connection. At JFCS, we remain dedicated to providing gentle support for those walking through loss. Earlier this month, we launched a new session of our Parental Bereavement Group, creating a space where grieving parents can find strength among others who share their journey. We are deeply grateful to our JFCS Past Presidents for generously sponsoring this group through the Presidents’ Impact Fund in honor of Jacob Manders, z”l.
While Passover connects us to our past, Nisan also carries the promise of spring—a season of renewal and possibility. Outside our office windows, hundreds of daffodils now bloom—planted as part of The Daffodil Project, honoring the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust. Each spring, these golden blossoms remind us of resilience, remembrance, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
As you welcome this season of renewal, may your home be filled with warmth, your table with abundance, and your heart with peace.
Melanie and Jill, JFCS Associate Executive Directors
Top: An array of Passover objects created by Jill’s daughters. Bottom: Our beautiful daffodils, in bloom outside the Katz JCC.
