Pesach Presents

Pesach is the Jewish holiday when we remember being slaves in Egypt and celebrating how Moses led us out of slavery to freedom. It is a custom to give and receive gifts on Pesach. Growing up in an Israeli family, I had always received gifts on Pesach. In class, each person talked about how their Seder went and many of the students were surprised that they received gifts. It took me a while to understand that it is not a usual thing to receive gifts on Pesach in America. 

After hearing this it made me really realize how American Judaism and Israeli Judaism is different. American Reform Judaism is very influenced by outside religions and cultures. For example, receiving presents on Hanukkah in Israel is not a thing. It started in America as a way to "compete" with Christmas. In fact, in Israel Hanukkah is a fairly insignificant holiday and was only glorified by the American Reform Jewish community. 

Anyway, it really made me realize how Judaism has developed in many places all around the world. There are different traditions for everything no matter where you are in the world. It its not only a comparison between America and Israel. I am sure this happens everywhere else that there are Jews in the world. No matter what the traditions are, the most important thing is to remember what the holiday stands for and what is meant to be done.