Pesach 2026: The complex dynamic of Jewish survival

Vehi Sheamda, in the Haggadah, reminds us of the tragic but all too recognisable aspect of Jewish national identity that in every generation we face enemies intent on our destruction. 

While this is a reality that needs little reminder in our current times, the seder provides the annual forum to remember that it’s been a constant throughout our people’s history. But perhaps because this is something we have dealt with across the centuries, it’s also necessary to distinguish between the different experiences. 

The greatest distinction lies not in the desire of our enemies, because, as noted, that changes little over time. Most notably, despite our challenges today, we are no longer in physical galut (exile). We have a homeland of our own, which provides us with military, political, cultural and social strength unlike in generations prior. So when we reach this point of the seder, it’s important that we make this distinction for ourselves and our children; yes we face evil enemies in every generation but our ability to counter them has changed dramatically. 

This year, of course, that lesson is clearer than ever before. At this very moment, the land of Israel is surrounded by millions of people who are actively committed to our destruction. Antisemitism has returned in ways that we had all hoped and prayed were a thing of the past, and in many parts of the world Jews are legitimately fearful for their very security. 

Yet, despite all those fears and difficulties, seder night in 2026 cannot be compared to seder night in 1942, or so many other nights across history on which Jews were forced to hide. The State of Israel, with arguably the strongest military force in the history of warfare, alongside the United States, is engaged in a campaign intent on securing our national survival. So when we ask how this night is different from other nights, we should also be asking how our situation as a people is different from other times. 

Our history has taught us that Jewish survival is not an absolute. Even with the tremendous strength we have as a Jewish State, and the power being invested in this current war, we would be ignorant to think that the threats will be removed in a matter of weeks or months. All wars come at a cost and even when it ends, in all likelihood some remnants of our genocidal enemies will remain. 

Like every year, the seder is designed to remind us of this “imperfect” circumstance in which we live. 

On one hand, we live through the lens of history; a history of enslaved people who were brought to freedom, and all the many events that came about as a result and are at the essence of our very peoplehood. This is why we are biblically commanded to remember that past, because it is the root of our identity and the source of our national strength. 

But at the very same time, the miracle of Jewish continuity is that every year is different. Vehi Sheamda sung this year will be defined by the unique events we are currently experiencing as a people. As part of this strength we recognise the heroism of our soldiers, many of whom have paid the ultimate price in defence of our people and our nation. 

This dynamic, of being able to remember the past while being ultimately grateful for the present, is a central aspect of the very power of who we are as a Jewish people. Our gratitude to Hashem isn’t simply that we survive, but more so that we thrive. That our Jewish world has strengthened in ways previous generations could never have even dreamed of. And with that recognition we pray for only better and safer days ahead and may it be a Chag Pesach Kasher Vesameach. 

• Rabbi Yuval Cherlow is the director of the Tzohar Center for Jewish Ethics.