Passover: The festival of freedom and the ambivalence of exile

The Passover Seder commemorates the escape from slavery in Egypt. But then came the 40-year wandering in the desert – a story that resonates with much of Jewish history.

By: Nancy E. Berg, Washington University in St. Louis, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 1, 2026

Words: 1,389

Last Updated: 4 months ago

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By Nancy E. Berg, Washington University in St. Louis

The Jewish holiday cycle is, to a large extent, an exploration and commemoration of the experience of exile. The fall festival of Sukkot, for example, is celebrated in small booths, temporary shelters that recall the Israelites’ experience sheltering in tents while wandering in the desert for 40 years after fleeing slavery in Egypt. The story of Purim, a springtime festival, takes place when ancient Jews …

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