Midway through the journey, the Ten Commandments were read by Moses (Uzi Chen) during reenactment (Photo: Israel American Council)
By Naomi Chen
SAN DIEGO — “Passover is just around the corner. In eight days, we will gather around the table to read the Hagaddah, which tells us that we should feel as if we left Egypt ourselves. That’s why, five years ago, I, along with other Israeli American Council volunteers, started the first Egypt Exodus experience – right here in San Diego. This has become a perfect Passover activity for families with young kids.
On Sunday, April 14, we had our traditional Egypt Exodus experience. Picture this: we all dress up as Israelite slaves to really feel what it was like back then. Then, we listen to the story with our very own Moses and Pharaoh. After that, Moses crosses the Red Sea for us and we follow him hiking into the desert. Okay – not for 40 years—but just for a family-friendly 1-mile hike. But it’s about the experience, right?
Mid-hike, we pause to eat matza with chocolate and to read the Ten Commandments together. And on the way back, we are welcomed as free people into Eretz Israel. Not to mention the many other kids’ activities. We even baked our own pita bread!
Naomi Chen and Noy Nehardea (Photo: Israeli American Council)
Everyone, from the little ones to the grown-ups, enjoyed the experience. It’s not just about the adventure; it’s about coming together as a community.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Noy Nehardea, IAC Regional Director, Erel Ben Ishai, and all the volunteers who made this event happen.
This year, something was a bit different. We wore yellow ribbons on top of our slave attire. It’s a reminder that while we celebrate the holiday of freedom, there are hostages who are not free, and who are held against their will.
We also mentioned our loved ones in Israel. We wish all Am Israel to be safe, strong, and free. And to all the Pharaohs, Hamases, and anyone else trying to hold us back, we’ve got one message: Let My People Go! Am Israel Chai!”
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Naomi Chen, a Russian-born Israeli-American, resides in San Diego with her husband and four children. She is a wellness guide who leads yoga, workshops, retreats, and hiking trips. She volunteers at the Israeli American Council and is the founder of San Diego’s Egypt Exodus experience.
