ROBERT JOWAISZAS, COMMUNITY EDITOR/REPORTER
Passover begins this year on the evening of April 1 and continues through April 9, Jewish communities across Rockland County observe one of the most significant holidays in Judaism. Known as Pesach, the holiday commemorates the Exodus, when the Israelites, led by Moses, were freed from slavery in ancient Egypt—a foundational story of freedom and identity.
That sense of identity is deeply rooted in Rockland County, where Jewish life has developed over more than a century into one of the most prominent Jewish population centers in the United States.
Jewish settlement in Rockland began in the late 19th century, with immigrants from Germany and Eastern Europe establishing communities in towns such as Nyack and Haverstraw. Early institutions like Congregation Sons of Israel in Nyack, founded in 1891, helped anchor religious and communal life.
In the decades that followed, Jewish migration from New York City increased, especially after the opening of the Tappan Zee Bridge in 1955, which made suburban life in Rockland more accessible. A major transformation came in the postwar period with the growth of Orthodox and Hasidic communities, particularly in Monsey, Spring Valley, and Ramapo.
Several key figures played a role in shaping Jewish life in Rockland County.
Among the most influential was Rabbi Jacob Joseph Twersky, the founding leader of the Hasidic village of New Square. He established the community as a self-contained religious enclave, and his leadership helped define its structure and growth.
Another significant figure is Rabbi Moses Teitelbaum, associated with the Satmar Hasidic movement, whose followers contributed to the expansion of Hasidic life in the region. His broader influence helped shape the character of ultra-Orthodox communities in and around Rockland.
Rabbi Mordechai Schwab, a respected German-born Orthodox rabbi, also played a role in strengthening traditional Jewish learning and religious leadership in the wider region during the 20th century.
In more recent decades, leaders connected with outreach organizations such as Chabad have expanded access to Jewish education and public observance, helping bring traditions like the Passover Seder to a broader audience.
Today, Rockland County is home to a diverse Jewish population that includes Hasidic, Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform communities, each contributing to the county’s cultural and religious fabric. Rockland County is widely recognized as having one of the largest Jewish populations per capita in the United States, reflecting the scale and concentration of its communities.
Passover remains a central expression of that life. The Seder, held on the first two nights, brings families together to read from the Haggadah, retell the story of the Exodus, and share symbolic foods such as matzah and bitter herbs. Children participate by asking the traditional Four Questions, reinforcing the importance of passing history from one generation to the next.
Preparation for the holiday includes removing chametz—leavened foods such as bread and pasta—from the home and undertaking extensive cleaning. Throughout Rockland County, kosher supermarkets stock Passover-specific products, and many households adopt special cooking practices during the holiday.
Religious observance continues throughout the week with synagogue services and Torah readings. While many families celebrate privately, some congregations and organizations offer community access through public Seders and services.
During Passover, daily life in parts of Rockland shifts noticeably. Streets grow quieter on the first and last days of the holiday, schools and institutions close, and families gather indoors. These rhythms reflect a tradition that is both ancient and actively lived.
From its early immigrant beginnings to its current prominence, Jewish life in Rockland County continues to be shaped by its history, its leadership, and its enduring traditions—brought into focus each year during Passover.
חג חירות שמח