Motivation Mondays: Revisiting Easter & Passover
“The cause of Freedom and the cause of Peace are bound together.” Leon Blum
Motivation Mondays Revisiting Easter & Passover
Motivation Mondays: Revisiting Easter & Passover
Happy Easter and Passover weekend!
Growing up, Easter was central to my religious celebrations. I looked forward to the joy of Easter Sunday services, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, colorful eggs for little kids, and special family meals, complete with chocolate treats shaped like bunnies and eggs for the little ones. It was a time of celebration, family, and faith. Christ had Risen. Hosanna in the highest heavens.
When I got married, Passover became part of my life as well. My first Seder at my in-laws’ home was a beautiful and meaningful experience, rich with prayer, storytelling, song, and tradition. Family members took turns reading from the Haggadah, and the seriousness of the story was gently balanced with laughter, shared reflections, a sip of wine, and delicious food. It created a deep sense of connection and reminded me that gratitude, to God and to one another, is essential.
Reflecting on both Easter and Passover, I am reminded that we are all children of one Creator. Faith, family, and shared moments of communion matter because they bring us together. Celebrating both traditions has deepened my respect for all spiritual paths. After all, we are each on a journey; returning to ourselves, guided by faith, love, and purpose.
This year, in the spirit of Easter and Passover, let us pray for global healing and an end to suffering. Let us extend peace and goodwill to one another and keep hope alive. We can all do our part. I will be attending online services, spending time in the Word, sharing meals with loved ones, and giving so that other families may also be fed.
A Shared Message of Renewal and Freedom
Passover (Pesach) commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, a powerful reminder of faith, resilience, and freedom. Through the Seder, families retell this story using symbolic foods, prayers, and song, honoring both struggle and deliverance. “Remember this day, in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Exodus 13:3)
Easter, central to Christianity, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a profound symbol of renewal, hope, and victory over death. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, new life is possible. Together, these sacred traditions teach us about freedom, sacrifice, renewal, and hope. “He is not here; for he has risen, as he said.” (Matthew 28:6)
More Below!
Some More Insights on Easter & Passover
“Easter is a time when God turned the inevitability of death into the invincibility of life.” Craig D. Lounsbrough
Motivation Mondays Revisiting Easter & Passover
What Do You Know About Easter? Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after His crucifixion; a powerful symbol of hope, renewal, and new life. The Easter season lasts 50 days, from Easter Sunday through Pentecost. Easter is associated with the white lily, a flower that symbolizes purity and resurrection. Decorated Easter eggs have deep cultural roots, though not truly attached to the religious celebration of the resurrection. In Eastern Europe, they were known as Pysanka, intricately painted to represent the beauty and renewal of spring. Easter is a movable feast, meaning it does not fall on a fixed date each year, but is observed between March 22 and April 25.
The Easter Story & Key Events of Holy Week 2026
The Easter story, central to Christianity, commemorates the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. After being betrayed, arrested, and crucified, Jesus was laid in a tomb. Three days later, on Sunday, Easter Sunday, his followers found the tomb empty and were told by an angel that He had risen.
Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday) – March 29: Jesus enters Jerusalem and is welcomed by crowds as a king.
The Last Supper (Maundy/Holy Thursday) – April 2: Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples, establishing the Eucharist. Betrayal and Arrest: Judas Iscariot leads authorities to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Crucifixion (Good Friday) – April 3: Jesus is tried, sentenced, and crucified at Calvary, taking on the sins of humanity.
Sabbatum Sanctum/ Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday) – April 4: Commemorates the Harrowing of Hell while Jesus Christ’s body lay in the tomb
Resurrection (Easter Sunday) – April 5: Women, including Mary Magdalene, discover the empty tomb. Angels proclaim that Jesus has risen, and He later appears to His followers. The resurrection affirms Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and represents victory over death, offering the promise of eternal life to believers.
What About The Bunny?
The tradition of the Easter bunny dates back to 17th-century Germany. It was later brought to America, particularly Pennsylvania, where stories of a rabbit delivering eggs became popular. The German legend of the Osterhase told of children receiving brightly colored eggs as a reward for good behavior. For many of us, Easter is also filled with joyful traditions—spirited church services, festive gatherings, new spring attire, and, of course, chocolate eggs for kids and shared meals with loved ones. None of these traditions negates the true message of the resurrection. They all celebrate it. He is Risen. “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4:25) We thank God for his eternal mercy!
“Passover affirms the great truth that liberty is the inalienable right of every human being.” Morris Joseph
Motivation Mondays Revisiting Easter & Passover
What Do You Know About Passover? Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt; a story of faith, resilience, and freedom. The Passover Seder is a meaningful and symbolic family meal held on the first (and sometimes second) night of Passover. During the Seder, the story of the Exodus is retold through readings, rituals, food, and song. The term “Passover” refers to the biblical moment when the Angel of Death “passed over” the homes of the Israelites during the final plague in Egypt. God told Moses that the Israelites in Egypt must mark the lamb’s blood above their doors so the Angel of Death from the 10th Plague of Egypt would not cause the death of their firstborn sons. The Haggadah is the sacred text used during the Seder, guiding participants through the story, prayers, and traditions of the evening.
Passover is known by three names: Pesach, referring to the Passover sacrifice. Chag Hamatzot; the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Zeman Cheiruteinu; the Season of Our Freedom. Traditionally, four cups of wine are consumed during the Seder, and matzah (unleavened bread) is eaten throughout the seven or eight days of the holiday. A beloved part of the Seder is singing Dayenu, a joyful Hebrew song expressing gratitude for each blessing along the journey to freedom, and sharing greetings. “Chag Sameach! Wishing you every blessing and a life filled with joy and love. Happy Passover!”
Key Passover Observances (Pesach) 2026:
Passover begins at sundown on April 1 and ends at nightfall on April 9. Outside of Israel, the Seder is traditionally observed on the first two nights, when families gather for prayer, storytelling, and symbolic foods.
April 1: Fast of the Firstborn (Siyum); Evening Services & First Seder
April 2: Morning Services & Second Seder
April 3: Morning Services
April 4 (Shabbat): Morning Services
April 8: Morning Services
April 9 (Last Day of Pesach): Morning Services, Yizkor (Memorial Prayer for the Departed) and Moshiach’s Seudah (Messiah’s Meal)
More Below!
Moments of Reflection
“Passover and Easter are the only Jewish and Christian holidays that move in sync, like the ice skating pairs we saw during the winter Olympics.” Marvin Olasky
Motivation Mondays Revisiting Easter & Passover
What do Easter and Passover mean to you? For me, Easter brings a spirit of renewal, a chance to begin again. Passover reminds me of the importance of freedom, both spiritual and personal, and the courage it takes to move forward. Both invite us to reflect, grow, and recommit to the lives we are called to live.
A Blessing/Dinner Prayer for Today – By Izola White
Loving God, bless all those gathered here today as we come together in friendship and fellowship.
Place in our hearts the desire to make a difference—to our families, our communities, and the world.
Give us balance in times of uncertainty, and help us move forward with determination and joy.
Thank you for the food in a world where many know hunger,
For faith in a world where many know fear,
And for love in a world where many know loneliness.
For all of this, we give you thanks. Amen.
Closing Thoughts/Reflections
Easter and Passover, though rooted in different traditions, share a powerful message: that renewal and freedom are always possible. One reminds us that life can rise again, even after loss. The other teaches us that liberation comes through faith, courage, and perseverance. Together, they call us to reflect, to grow, and to move forward with hope.
May we embrace this season as an opportunity to walk boldly in freedom by uplifting ourselves and one another along the way. May hope rise. May freedom prevail. May love lead us forward.
May this season renew our spirit, strengthen our faith, and remind us of the power of love, freedom, and community.
Chag Sameach. Happy Resurrection Day. Happy Easter!
Positive Motivation Tip: Easter and Passover bring us together to celebrate the good. May hope always rise within us.
Related Posts
- Reflections: Memories Of Easter & Passover…(mirthandmotivation)
- Motivation Mondays: Reflections On Easter & Passover(mirthandmotivation)
- Motivation Mondays: RESURRECTION (mirthandmotivation)
- Motivation Mondays: REBIRTH (mirthandmotivation)
- Motivation 2020: Easter & Passover(mirthandmotivation)
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos – Easter and Passover via Stock Adobe Free Easter, Passover via Pixabay, Easter Breakfast, Seder Plate, Easter, Passover WIKIPEDIA
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Awesome! Such inspiring and wonderful words to feel more blessed and appreciated with great hope and faith that adds value to our lives.
Thank you. These are inspiring religious traditions and I value both of them.
Wise words for this time of the years. May Easter bring peace and light to the world and our lives.
Amen and may we all find our way to religious tolerance. I’m with you on that too.
He has risen! Easter isn’t about the egg hunts or family get togethers. It is about celebrating what Jesus Christ has done for us, and for me, I celebrate Him each and every day.
Maureen
Maureen, I hear you. Did you read my post? Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated around the world in so many different communities with different traditions. We all honor that He is Risen and the coming together with family and friends is an equally important part of that celebration in many nations. That your family chooses not to get together on Easter and share a meal does not make Easter less valid for those who do.
When we believe in Christ, we are united to Him in faith (2 Corinthians 4:14). Union with Christ means that when God looks at us, He does not see our unrighteousness, but the righteousness of Christ.
There’s something really special about how you present this season as more than just a holiday. It becomes a moment of reflection, gratitude, and connection. The blend of storytelling, history, and inspiration makes it feel both educational and heartfelt at the same time. This truly reads like a celebration of unity, where different paths still lead toward the same light.
They sure do. Sadly, some people have been raised to see faith as one dimensional. Theirs is the only path and that is limiting. We cannot expect religious respect, rebirth and freedom if we do not offer the same to others. Countries around the world celebrate Easter in different ways based on their own local traditions. It works as we all celebrate the resurrection of Christ. No approach is less than the other.
I love the legend about the Easter bunny. I had never heard that before. It’s nice to see the ways good behaviour was encouraged all those years ago. I didn’t realise I knew so much about Passover. But, having read the post, I am reminded of what was taught in primary school so many years ago. It was a school run by nuns which taught about various religious beliefs.
I concur. Like you, I went to Catholic School too and we learned about different faiths and traditions. I think it is an important tradition because people can become rigid and myopic about how faith connects us all. It is never linear.
I have no experience with Passover, just Easter. Easter is one of the two most Holy days for Christians, and a wonderful way for families to celebrate together,
Yes, they both are actually similar in that regard. The gathering to celebrate freedom and faith
This is such a lovely post. Easter is one of my favorite holidays. It always feels like rebirth, which is fitting.
I agree. The resurrection, the rebirth, the freedom and faith
This is such a lovely post. This time of year always fills my heart with so much joy and hope. It’s my favorite holiday.
It is one of mine too as it teaches the beauty of forgiveness, freedom and moving forward.
This was a thoughtful and meaningful reflection. I appreciate how you connect these traditions with deeper themes of renewal and hope.
Thank you. I am very grateful to have been exposed to the beauty of both traditions. Religious tolerance is crucial in our world today. There is so much misguided beliefs about different religious paths that continue to lead to conflict and disrespect. As a Christian, I believe in the 10 commandments and the teachings of Christ. I believe that if we love our neighbors and respect their faith choices, we create better open doors for effective communication. Any thing less is religious hypocrisy.
I have known the story of Easter, but didn’t really know the story of Passover and didn’t realize they share similar ideas. Blending of families and traditions can be interesting, and a great way to learn about how others celebrate.
I agree. The main thing that grows from it is an appreciation and respect for other faiths. We need that more now than ever before.
Never really thought about how long Easter lasts when combining other religions. The Easter season lasts 50 days was a big surprise to me.
Can you imagine? Yes, it does last for an extended period of time that leads to the final resurrection day.
This brought back memories of celebrating Easter with loved ones and learning about Passover traditions. I love how both holidays focus on hope, freedom, and new beginnings!
Same here. They are similar in many ways.
Easter is celebrated in India as well. I have heard about Passover for the first time! Thank you for in-depth knowledge about the Jewish celebrations. The history of Passover suggests that it was indeed a bad time for our Jewish brothers and sisters and now the time is ripe for an overhaul!
Yes, the biblical history is a very long one…
Easter always feels like such a lovely time of year for me. I love the sense of renewal, and that it’s a time for the whole family to gather together and spend time in each other’s presence. It’s so very special!
It is a very special time because the Resurrection is a powerful and positive celebration.
Easter is a day where everyone should be happy. I am in deep awe that you shared what Easter is and its importance so everyone should know.
Thank you. It is one the most important parts of Christian history
Happy Easter to you too! I appreciate you sharing the religious meaning behind the celebration. Honestly, it does feel like it has become quite commercial over time. Many kids today seem to focus more on egg hunts and treats, rather than understanding what Easter truly represents.
True. The rabbit and egg stories seem to dominate ads for kids and we understand way. Parents do need to remember to clear the air and remind their kids why we celebrate Easter.
Such a wonderful reflection on both Easter and Passover. I support your call for global healing. It is what we mostly need in all the chaos currently.
Thank you. It is sorely needed in these times.
I didn’t know the Easter Bunny as a concept came from Germany, that’s such a fun fact! When I lived in France, the bunny was very much at the forefront of the celebrations and I see the cultural difference back home in the States. Here I feel it’s more divided, with 50 percent celebrating the religious side and 50 percent on the bunny side!
Hahaha. I hear you and it is bridge many do not want to cross at all.
This is such a beautiful and inspiring post. I love how you brought together both Easter and Passover with such meaningful reflections on faith, freedom, and renewal. It really reminds us how important it is to come together with love and gratitude. Thank you for sharing this powerful message.
Thank you for your beautiful feedback. Appreciated!
This post beautifully weaves together the deeper meanings of both Easter and Passover, reminding us that beyond tradition, they are seasons of renewal, freedom, and shared humanity. I especially appreciate how it highlights the power of embracing multiple faith perspectives, showing that love and respect can unify even diverse beliefs . It feels like a gentle invitation to reflect, reset, and carry forward a spirit of grace into everyday life.
Thank you for your insightful comments. I’m glad it had so much meaning for you. It does for me.
I love your posts because you only share words of wisdom and kindness. Easter is an especial day in my family too.
Thank you, I love your blog too. I write to help others as well as myself. I’m a work in progress.
Thanks for your connection of Easter and Passover through shared themes of renewal, it made me take time to reflect on how seasonal traditions still shape my own routines. 🙂
I’m glad to hear how this touched you. Very moving insights.
Excellent post. I observe Easter and Pesach too. This was a real.pleasure to read.Thank you
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!