1 minute read
PEI News
BY JOSEPH B. GLASS
The Prince Edward Island Jewish community continued its adaptation to the on-going public health restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Most of its activities were conducted virtually. For Purim, the PEIJC’s Secretary, Rafael Baliardo, designed a delightful, uniquely PEI greeting card that was shared with the community. It brought smiles to all.
Advertisement
Over the years, our neighbours have taken notice of Passover celebrations on the Island. On April 22, 1908, 113 years ago, The Patriot published the following:
The Jews of Charlottetown are now concluding the celebration of the Feast of the Passover, which commenced on Wednesday last, and which lasts for eight days. Unleavened bread, as prescribed on the Mosaic law is eaten during the continuance of the feast, and many reminders of Israel’s exodus from Egypt were introduced.
This year, the Charlottetown Guardian addressed the topic of celebrating Passover on PEI for a second year under the shadow of COVID-19. Diversity reporter Logan MacLean shared some insights in the article “Passover in a pandemic: P.E.I. Jewish community celebrating freedom from afar.” Leo Mednick, the PEIJC president, was featured in the article which was illustrated with the Mednick seder table. In the photograph are Martin Rutte (left), Maida Rogerson, Andrew Melzer, Karin Melzer and the hostess, Beverly Mednick.
With no youngsters at this festive holiday table, the Four Questions had been pre-recorded by Amalia Hoersting, a young member of our community. She has been studying Hebrew with Ilana Clyde and over the past two years, Amalia’s renditions of various holiday blessings and songs have been shared with the community.
Islanders now enjoy the convenience of having kosher for Passover wines sold at PEI Liquor. Although limited in its selection, this year bottles of red and white were available at outlets from Summerside in the west, through Charlottetown and Stratford, to Montague in the east. Only Manischewitz kosher wine could be found in O’Leary. The PEIJC appreciates the on-going efforts of its vice president, Leslee Sack, to ensure that anyone who wanted kosher for Passover wine in their four cups and in Elijah’s cup, could easily obtain some.
