NEW YORK โ Jewish educators, rabbis, and activists from around the world are set to participate in a virtual event aimed at reinterpreting Passover through the lens of compassion, sustainability, and Jewish ethical teachings.
The online program, titled โLiberation for All: The Compassionate Passover,โ will take place on March 19, 2026, at 5 PM Pacific Time and 8 PM Eastern Time. Organizers say the event will explore how the holidayโs central themes of freedom and renewal can be applied to contemporary issues, including ethical food choices and environmental stewardship.
The event is organized by Jewish Vegan Life, a global initiative focused on aligning Jewish values with plant based living. Registration for the event is currently open to the public.
Connecting Passover Themes To Modern Ethics
Passover, known in Hebrew as Pesach, commemorates the biblical Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The holiday is marked by the seder, a ritual meal that includes symbolic foods, storytelling, and reflection on themes of freedom and responsibility.
Organizers of the March 19 event say these themes remain relevant in modern discussions about ethics and sustainability.
โPassover is the story of moving from constriction to freedom,โ said Michael Gribov, Head of Movement Building at Jewish Veg and Jewish Vegan Life, in a statement promoting the event. โThis event invites us to expand that liberation to our plates, to the planet, and to all living beings.โ
The program will also highlight the biblical new year, which begins with the Hebrew month of Nisan, also known as Aviv. This period is traditionally associated with renewal and transformation, themes that organizers say align with the goals of the event.
Featured Speakers And Program Content
The virtual gathering will feature a range of speakers from different professional and religious backgrounds.
Rabbi Donn Gross, head of Congregation Bet Dovid in New Jersey, is expected to address the spiritual dimensions of Passover and discuss how a vegan seder can complement the holidayโs emphasis on compassion and freedom.
Megan Tucker, founder of Mort & Bettyโs in Los Angeles, will share her personal journey toward plant based living and demonstrate a vegan Passover recipe designed for holiday observance.
Michael Gribov will also present Jewish Vegan Lifeโs annual Passover Earth Day campaign. The initiative connects the themes of Passover with environmental awareness and responsibility.
Organizers say participants will receive practical guidance on hosting a plant based seder, along with recipes and educational resources.
Broad Audience And Accessibility
The event is open to a wide audience, including families preparing for Passover, educators, Jewish communal leaders, and individuals interested in ethical eating.
Organizers emphasize that participants do not need to identify as vegan to attend.
The program will include a live stream and interactive chat feature, allowing attendees to engage directly with speakers.
Participants who register will also gain access to additional materials. Members of Jewish Vegan Life will receive a recording of the event and a complimentary digital copy of a vegan Haggadah following the program.
Growing Interest In Ethical Food Practices
The event reflects a broader trend within segments of the Jewish community exploring how traditional practices intersect with contemporary ethical concerns.
Jewish teachings have long included principles related to compassion for animals, stewardship of the environment, and responsible consumption.
Advocates of plant based living often point to these teachings as a foundation for modern dietary choices.
At the same time, Passover traditions vary widely across Jewish communities, and many families continue to observe the holiday in ways that reflect longstanding customs.
Organizers of the event say their goal is not to replace traditional practices but to offer additional perspectives.
Jewish Identity And Contemporary Dialogue
The discussion around food, ethics, and tradition forms part of a broader conversation within Jewish communities worldwide.
While approaches differ, many Jewish leaders agree that the core values of Passover, including freedom, responsibility, and renewal, remain central to Jewish life.
Jewish Vegan Life says its programming is designed to encourage dialogue while remaining grounded in Jewish teachings.
The organization describes itself as a growing global movement focused on education, community building, and public engagement.
Through initiatives like the March 19 event, it aims to provide resources for individuals seeking to align their lifestyle choices with their understanding of Jewish ethics.
As Passover approaches, organizers say the virtual gathering offers an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the holiday in a contemporary context.
They emphasize that the event is intended to foster conversation, learning, and a deeper engagement with one of Judaismโs most widely observed traditions.
