Celebrating Passover in Canada is a symbol of the country’s multiculturalism and diversity for immigrants. A number of different ethnicities, cultures, and religions have found a home in Canada thanks to its multiculturalism and openness to immigrants. All Canadians, regardless of their immigration status, have a right to freedom of expression, according to the CCHRF – (Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms). As it is in the Charter, discrimination on the basis of religion is forbidden by the Canadian Human Rights Act.
The Jewish community in Canada
Statistics Canada’s 2021 census estimates 335,295 Canadians to identify as Jewish. The population of Jews living in Canada increased from 91,000 in 1980 to 91,000 in 2021. In Canada, over 62% of immigrants identifying as Jews came from six countries. For example the United States (12.6%), Morocco (7.8%), South Africa (6.8%), Ukraine (8.3%), Israel (19.0%), and Russia (8.2%).
Jews are concentrated in large numbers in Canada due to its geographical location. Canada’s Jewish community is concentrated in five provinces: Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba. In Canada, approximately half of all Jews reside in Toronto and Montreal.
Canadian Passover – What is it?
In Passover, also known as Pesach, the Hebrew slaves are honored for their liberation from Egyptian slavery at the hands of Moses around 1300 BCE. The Exodus story is one of the most significant moments in Israel’s history. As it is a story of freedom, emancipation, and redemption.
The Book of Exodus describes how God sent ten plagues upon the Jewish nation when Pharaoh refused to let them escape Egypt. It was only during this calamity that the Pharaoh was finally convinced to release the Jewish people from slavery. As all of Egypt’s first-born males perished during the final plague.
On the basis of the Hebrew lunar calendar, Passover usually takes place in March or April. Family customs usually dictate the duration of the holiday celebrations, which usually last between seven and eight days.
The Jewish custom of removing leavened food items from homes before Passover and refraining from consuming them during the holiday is one of the most important traditions. Matzah is the Jewish equivalent of bread. It is said that they could not rise their bread because they had to leave Egypt so quickly.
Celebrating Passover in Canada
Jewish families in Canada celebrate Passover in the same way as Jewish families around the world: with food and family gatherings. The first and last days of the festival are very significant as they include a ceremonial feast, going to synagogue, reading the Torah, and receiving special blessings and prayers.
At the beginning of Passover and the following evening, a festival known as the Seder is celebrated. It is mandatory to pray, bless, read, sing, eat, and drink symbolic foods during the Seder. Seder recounts the tale of the Jewish exodus from Egypt using the Haggadah, the book used for the event. During Passover, the season of observance concludes with a Seder supper.
Most Jewish businesses and institutions will be closed on Passover, even though it is not a federal holiday in Canada.
The prime minister gave a statement last year to mark Passover highlighting the numerous contributions that Jewish Canadians have made to Canada. As well as the numerous contributions they continue to make.
