We believe that our strength lies in our diversity and the unique stories each of us brings to the table. In celebration of the Jewish festival, Passover (Pesach) today, we are delighted to share Boris’ account of his family celebrations.

Boris’ Story

Hello, My name is Boris, and I’ve been working at BM for the past decade. Before I landed in London, I called the beautiful country of Lithuania home. My roots trace back to a Jewish family, and today, I’m excited to share our family’s cherished tradition of celebrating Passover, or as we call it in Hebrew, Pesach.

Passover

Passover holds a special place in our hearts—it’s a festival of freedom, marking the liberation of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery.

The Seder

For my family, the cornerstone of our Passover celebration is the Seder, a ritual meal that binds us together in tradition and joy.

When Passover arrives, we gather as a family, and it’s my dear auntie who takes charge of the culinary magic. From the soul-warming aroma of matzah ball soup to the comforting taste of kugel (potato bake), our table overflows with symbolic foods like matzah, dried fruits, nuts, and my personal favourite, Taigalah—a sweet pastry boiled in honey syrup.

Honouring heritage

Amidst the feast, we unite in prayer and song, honouring our heritage with traditional Jewish melodies that echo through the generations.

Now, let me tell you a bit about the Seder itself. The head of our family, often adorned in a white ritual gown, begins the ceremony by sanctifying the holiday with a cup of wine. Throughout the evening, we partake in symbolic rituals, starting with the dipping of raw vegetables in vinegar, salt, or water.

The highlight of the Seder is the presentation of symbolic items on the Seder plate: a shank bone, boiled egg, matzah, and bitter herbs, each carrying deep significance in retelling the story of our ancestors’ journey to freedom.

Sharing traditions and messages of hope

I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into our family’s Passover traditions. And to add a personal touch, I’ve included a few snapshots from our celebrations, so you can see the joy and togetherness that fills our home during this special time.

In sharing my Passover journey with you, I hope to convey not only the richness of Jewish tradition but also the universal message of freedom and hope that resonates with people of all backgrounds. So here’s to Passover—a time of remembrance, reflection, and celebration of the enduring spirit of liberation.

At BM, our commitment is to foster an inclusive and diverse environment. We deeply value when our teams openly express their experiences. It’s essential that everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves and unite in embracing diverse beliefs and celebrations. We would like to wish a happy Passover (Pesach) to our Jewish friends and colleagues.

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