MSI Press Blog

  The Seventh Day of Passover: Crossing the Sea to Freedom On the seventh day of Passover, we step back into one of the most dramatic scenes in the story of Exodus: the Crossing of the Red Sea . This is the day when the impossible happened—when a path opened through the sea, and slaves walked into freedom. A Path to Freedom The waters part, and the Israelites cross on dry ground, pursued by Pharaoh’s army—only to see their enemies swept away by the returning waves. The miracle is not just survival; it’s transformation. The people who entered the sea as fugitives emerged as a nation bound by faith and destiny. The Song of the Sea At the shore, Moses and Miriam lead the people in a triumphant song of praise: “The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.” This Shirat HaYam (Song of the Sea) is recited in synagogues on this day, a reminder that gratitude is the truest response to deliverance. A Night of Gratitude Families gather for festive meals, retelli...

  During Chol HaMoed , the middle days of Passover, Jewish life moves into a gentler rhythm — still sacred, but more flexible. Work that’s necessary or joyful (like cooking, travel, or creative projects) is permitted, yet the spirit of liberation remains central. Here’s what typically fills these days: Continued eating of matzah and avoiding chametz (leavened foods). Special prayers in synagogue, including Hallel (songs of praise) and readings from Exodus that recall the journey through the Red Sea. Family outings and community gatherings , often outdoors — a reminder that freedom is meant to be lived, not just remembered. Torah study and reflection , focusing on themes of renewal, gratitude, and moral freedom. In Israel, Chol HaMoed feels like a national holiday — parks, pilgrim sites, and family tables overflow with celebration. In the diaspora, it’s quieter but still luminous: a time to live the Exodus story in daily life. post inspired by Since Sinai  by Shannon...

  This Pesach/Passover, I was by myself and, frankly, limited in what I could prepare. But that’s hardly an excuse for not observing the so very important and holy tradition of a seder. I am reminded of my brothers and sisters who celebrated the Passover during the Inquisition, and other who celebrated it during the Shoah. Hardship is no excuse. Indeed, a difficult Pesach is a reminder of our history. But for me it is more than that. Pesach/Passover is a deeply spiritual time to remember and reflect, both that freedom isn’t cheap and also that **everyone** deserves to be free – no exceptions. To me, Passover was never a story of the “poor Jews” being enslaved by the “evil Egyptians” and the God of the Jews entering into the affair of humanity to set His people free. Passover was the story of an oppressed people and how oppression must be resisted. Always. And today especially, we are reminded that oppression must be resisted. This year, then, Passover is especially relevant and clo...

  Here is a great little trivia-oriented article for Passover. Enjoy it! What Does It Mean When A Coca-Cola Bottle Has A Yellow Cap? (msn.com) For more posts about Passover, click HERE . Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter Follow MSI Press on  Twitter ,  Face Book , and  Instagram .   Interested in publishing with MSI Press LLC? Check out information on  how to submit a proposal . Interested in receiving a free copy of this or any MSI Press LLC book  in exchange for  reviewing  a current or forthcoming MSI Press LLC book? Contact editor@msipress.com. Want an  author-signed copy  of this book? Purchase the book at 25% discount (use coupon code FF25) and concurrently send a written request to orders@msipress.com.