Passover has just ended, but the heart of the Jewish calendar remains full. As we emerge from the story of liberation, we enter a sacred stretch of time known as the “three Yoms”—a season that calls us to remember, to honor, and to celebrate the resilience of our people and the spirit of our homeland.

We hope your Passover began with a meaningful and joyful seder, filled with good food, deep conversation, and the warmth of family and community. During this week of Passover, as we crunch on matzah, we continue to reflect on the fact that true freedom isn't just something we celebrate—it’s something we live.

This Saturday, families across the San Fernando Valley and beyond will come together at Passover seder tables, united by the time-honored traditions of wine, Haggadot, matzah, charoset, and—of course—the four questions. For over 3,000 years, we’ve gathered to retell the story of our people’s escape from bondage, a powerful reminder that “each person, in every generation, must see themselves as if they personally left Egypt.” While traditions and recipes may differ, the heart of Passover remains unchanged: it’s a celebration of resilience and freedom. This timeless message inspires us, year after year, to confront personal challenges, injustice, oppression, and antisemitism with courage and determination. Whether your seder embraces tradition or takes a modern twist, Temple Judea wishes you a Chag Pesach Sameach—a joyful, meaningful Passover for you and your loved ones!

The year’s emotional highlight came at the HaZamir International Festival in New York, where nearly 400 Jewish teens from 33 chapters across the U.S. and Israel gathered. On March 23, they performed at Carnegie Hall, sharing moving renditions of familiar prayers and songs.

We all know what to expect from our usual Passover Seder: Kiddush, matzah and maror, the symbols on the Seder plate, and of course, eating the Passover meal. We also know there is much more of the Seder that - let's face it - we don't always get to.  There's more meaning, more stories, more culture, more songs, more wine, more prayers, and even more eating! So this year, your Temple Judea clergy team will be sharing some of the magic that happens AFTER the meal.  We're calling it "The B-Side," like the great songs on the other side of your old 45s that you often didn't get to.

At Temple Judea, our community is completely underwritten by the generous support that each of you contributes.

Purim is a holiday of contradictions - it's full of laugher, but it is also a Jewish holiday that marks a time when our enemies attacked us and yet we survived.

It's hard to believe but in two short weeks, Temple Judea will once again resound with the raucous energy of Purim. Whether you’re singing along with our Shpiel, hitting some carnival rides, groovin' in a get-up, or giving back to the community, join in celebrating Esther and Mordechai's victory over the evil Haman by embracing the true spirit of the holiday.

The 2025 World Zionist Congress (WZC), often called the "Parliament of the Jewish People," offers us, as Jews in the Diaspora, a powerful opportunity to shape the future of Israel directly. Between March 10 and May 4, 2025, you’ll have the chance to vote in this critical election, joining Reform Jews across the U.S. in selecting the American Zionist Movement's delegates from over 20 diverse slates.

Spring is here, and Temple Judea has a rich mix of events lined up to help you connect, learn, and grow. While the Megillah reading, Wicked Purim Spiel and carnival (March 14-16) are the unmissable highlights, there are plenty of other opportunities to build community, create lasting memories, and engage with your Temple Judea family.