Happy Passover!

With optimism and an increasing feeling of freedom in the air, the Azrieli Faculty convened today (still via Zoom) to toast the upcoming holiday of Passover as well as Easter, Ramadan, and Ziyarat al-Nabi Shu'ayb, all celebrated in the rejuvenating spring season.

Prof. Karl Skorecki, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, opened the meeting from his office with a dvar Torah. He pointed out that one of the lesser known aspects important in the Passover holiday, is the pascal sacrifice (קרבן פסח) which is symbolically portrayed in the Seder. He explained that the root of the word קרבן (sacrifice/korban) can mean להקריב (sacrifice, or give up) but also לקרב (to make closer). We learn from this that one cannot get close without giving up, sacrificing, something. Indeed, the Passover sacrifice must be done in the community of others, not alone. In a similar manner, the work of the Faculty embodies sacrifice, while working together.

Also offering toasts were Ms. Ligat Daudi representing the student body; Dr. Erez Onn, director general of the Baruch Padeh Medical Center in Poria; Dr. Salman Zarka, director of the Ziv Medical Center in Safed; Dr. Masad Barhoum, general director of the Galilee Medical Center; Dr. Fahed Hakim, general director of EMMS Nazareth Hospital; Mr. Yoel Carasso of the Beyachad Foundation that was visiting the Faculty and joined the toast; Prof. Johnny Younis, vice dean clinical education; and Prof. Tzipora C. Falik-Zaccai, vice dean, medical research.

Happy Passover!