Celebrating Passover and Easter
By Office of Communications & Marketing | Apr 13, 2022
This year, April is significantly special for people of the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian faiths, where we celebrate Ramadan, Passover, and Easter.
On April 2, families of the Muslim faith began observing Ramadan. This holy time continues through the beginning of May.
Our Jewish brothers and sisters will observe Passover, one of the most sacred holidays of Judaism, from April 15-24. Passover marks the exodus of the ancient Israelites from Egypt. It celebrates the deliverance of God's chosen people from oppression and darkness to freedom, light, and hope in the Promised Land. As the Haggadah is recited, there is reflection on times of the past—illuminating for everyone the importance of addressing and rising above the many challenges we face with compassion and humanity intact. Passover reminds us that together, a unified people can surmount any challenge and emerge more resilient than ever.
On April 17, most Christians will celebrate Easter, honoring the gift of renewed hope and salvation through the Resurrection of Christ, along with our Eastern Orthodox families, who will observe Easter on April 24.
Easter represents a sacred, holy time of reflection and renewal. It is a time when we recall the grace of God, who bestowed upon us his only Son, so that we may be freed of our sin and recommit ourselves to life guided by His perfect vision. Easter is a commemoration of God’s eternal sacrifice and the power of humanity— reminding us of the importance of being of service to fellow man and loving one another, just as He loves each of us. Easter has long been a story of humanity and hope and, in these times, one that resonates more profoundly than ever before.
To all who will observe these celebratory times, I wish you a Joyous Passover and Happy Easter as we all come together and hope for more peaceful days ahead.
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Contact: Dawn S. Walker
917.439.9666 | 347.533.2071
dawn.walker@downstate.edu
About SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is the borough's only academic medical center for health education, research, and patient care. It is a 342-bed facility serving the healthcare needs of New York City and Brooklyn's 2.6 million residents. University Hospital of Brooklyn (UHB) is Downstate's teaching hospital, backed by an outstanding medical school's expertise and world-class academic center research facilities. More than 800 physicians, representing 53 specialties and subspecialties—many of them ranked as tops in their fields—comprise Downstate's staff.
In addition to high-risk neonatal and infant services, pediatric nephrology, and dialysis (kidney diseases)—and offering the only kidney transplantation program in Brooklyn, among many other distinctive programs—Downstate also sponsors a major learning center for young children with developmental disorders and disabilities. In addition to UHB, Downstate comprises a College of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Health Professions, a School of Graduate Studies, a School of Public Health, and a multifaceted biotechnology initiative, including the Downstate Biotechnology Incubator and BioBAT for early-stage and more mature companies, respectively. For more information, visit www.downstate.edu or follow us on Twitter at @sunydownstate.