TYLER, Texas — Starting at sunset Monday, many in the Jewish community began the week-long celebration of Passover.
It starts on the 15th day of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. Rabbi Neal Katz of Congregation Beth El in Tyler said this holiday is a festival of freedom.
During this time, families often reunite and have a meal called seder, where they tell the story of the ancient Israelites coming into Egypt and their exodus from slavery.
"Passover seders happen in the home. It's one of the highlights of the Jewish year," Katz said. "It's one of the highlights of the Jewish year."
Although this is a festival of freedom, Katz said his congregation will also recognize the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.