JACKSON, Wyo. — April 5 to 13 marks one of Judaism’s most widely observed holidays, and Jackson Hole will be celebrating the major day despite Wyoming being rated as one of the top three least Jewish states.
Passover marks the exodus of the Israelites from ancient Egypt, commemorating the Jewish escape from enslavement. One of the most important Passover traditions includes removing all leavened food products from a house and replacing bread with matzo, a type of flatbread. This tradition acknowledges how the Hebrews fled Egypt so quickly that there was no time for their bread to rise.
“We believe it’s important to acknowledge our painful past because it enables us to have compassion and regard for those who are experiencing their own suffering today,” says Rabbi Zalman Mendelsohn, co-director and spiritual leader of the Chabad Jewish Center of Wyoming, in a press release for the holiday.
According to the most recent data from the Jewish Virtual Library, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota have the smallest Jewish populations in America. A little under a quarter of a percent of people in Wyoming identify as Jewish. Yet Jackson Hole is no stranger to encouraging community members to experience the traditions and holidays of Jewish culture.
In town, there will be not one but two available options for April 5 community celebration. The Chabad Jewish Center of Wyoming is hosting a Pesach Sedar at 7 p.m. at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Jackson Hole, which has a listed cover charge of $100 but is open to anyone regardless of ability to pay. The Jackson Hole Jewish Community will also be hosting a ticketed Community Passover Sedar that will be free to join online.
