Jacob’s Hope – Pesach 2025 – Director Brent Johnson
Jacob’s Hope – Pesach 2025 Brent Johnson
Brent Johnson the director of Jacob’s Hope ministries thanks the new Jacob’s Hope supporters as well as those who have supported Jacob’s Hope for many years. Brent talks about Pesach / Passover which will be taking place in the United States from April 12th to April 19th.
Pesach, or Passover, is a major Jewish festival that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It begins on the 15th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar and typically lasts for seven or eight days, depending on Jewish tradition.
The story of Passover is rooted in the biblical Book of Exodus. According to tradition, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for generations. God sent Moses to demand their release, but Pharaoh refused. This led to ten divine plagues being inflicted upon Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn. The final plague “passed over” the homes of the Israelites, marked by lamb’s blood on their doorposts, sparing their children. This event led to their freedom and journey to the Promised Land.
Central to Pesach observance is the Seder, a ritual meal that takes place on the first and sometimes second nights. The Seder includes symbolic foods like matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs, and charoset (a sweet mixture symbolizing mortar used by slaves). The Haggadah, a special text, is read to recount the Exodus story and reflect on themes of freedom and gratitude.
Pesach also involves dietary restrictions, primarily the avoidance of chametz (leavened products), to honor the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, having no time for their bread to rise.
Beyond its historical significance, Pesach symbolizes liberation, resilience, and the enduring hope for freedom and justice.