“We are given an extra push to think about our holiday of liberation in more expansive ways.”
Earth Day and Passover have a few things in common, from honoring the land upon which we live, to giving back (aka tikkun olam). In 2024, the two holidays share not only a few key themes, but overlapping dates. Earth Day will be celebrated all day on Monday April 22; and that evening, Passover begins. For many, the two holidays will be celebrated together this year.
The intersection of Jewish beliefs, environmental justice, plant-based meals, and earth-honoring rituals is a natural one. That’s why Green Matters spoke to four proud Jewish climate activists to learn more about the joyous connection shared between Passover and Earth Day.
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Yoni Stadlin believes in challenging old ways of thought.
“This year, Earth Day falls on the eve of Passover, representing the confluence of the ancient Jewish festival of liberation and springtime harvest with our contemporary holiday elevating awareness of our connection to and responsibility for the Earth,” Yoni Stadlin, the chief immersive programs officer at Adamah, writes to Green Matters in an email.
“The Passover story reminds us that sometimes, a dramatic shift, such as getting up and leaving what we have been accustomed to, is what is called for,” he continues. “With Earth Day coinciding with Passover this year, we are called to ask ourselves and each other, ‘what dramatic exodus from our old ways is needed to ensure the protection of our natural world?'”
This article is part of Green Matters’ 2024 Earth Day programming, It’s Giving… Earth Day: A series about the people and organizations who are “giving” Earth Day 24/7. We hope these stories inspire you to embody the spirit of Earth Day all year round.
By Jamie Bichelman.