Sharing the Spirit of Passover
Phoebe collaborated with, Howard Nathanson, a member of Congregation Bnai Shalom in Easton, Pennsylvania, to celebrate Passover. He visited Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center to share the timeless traditions and rich symbolism of the eight-day Jewish holiday with a group of eager Phoebe residents.
With a natural flair for engaging storytelling and joyful use of humor, Nathanson captivated his audience from the moment he began to speak. Drawing from his extensive experience as a religion teacher spanning over a decade, he effortlessly guided the attendees through the intricate elements of the Passover Seder, bringing to life the rituals, customs, and meaningful symbolism of each element that generations have cherished.
Nathanson’s passion for education extends beyond the confines of the classroom, as demonstrated by his commitment to presenting informative sessions like this to the Phoebe community. Since 2022, he has shared his knowledge, enriching the lives of seniors throughout the greater community, presenting sessions four times a year on various Jewish holidays, including Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Purim, and Passover.
When asked about his motivation for volunteering his time and expertise, Nathanson’s answer reflected his deep-seated dedication to supporting and educating others. “I do this because I like to support and educate the community,” he explained. And it helps to fulfill our mission, which is to heal the world. Every day, our mission is to make the world a slightly better place than it was the day before.”
A profound sense of inclusivity and understanding lies at the heart of Nathanson’s teachings. Despite the diverse backgrounds of the audience, which consisted mainly of non-Jewish seniors with only a few Jewish residents in attendance, Nathanson approached his presentation with a spirit of openness and warmth. He described the Passover evening Seder as a “night of questions,” inviting everyone to be curious and learn from Passover’s timeless lessons.
As Nathanson spoke, his words resonated with authenticity and sincerity, fostering mutual respect and appreciation. Each anecdote and insight he shared educated and fostered a sense of unity, joy, and connection among those present, regardless of their religious beliefs.
As he closed his presentation, Nathanson explained how impressed he was with the singing at the last presentation he gave at Phoebe Allentown. To end the session, he led the group in a traditional song titled “Dayenu,” meaning, “It would have been enough.” Phoebe’s seniors and staff happily chimed in to sing the Hebrew song. Phoebe seniors departed with newfound knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the traditions of Passover. Nathanson remained behind, happily talking to fellow Jewish residents and non-Jewish lifelong learners, grateful to share his passion with others. For him, the true essence of Passover lies in the bonds forged and the lives touched along the way, reaffirming his belief in the power of education to heal and uplift communities. We are so grateful for Howard Nathanson and his spirit of giving!
