By Rabbi Melinda Bernstein

The sacred stories of Passover and Easter return each spring, reminding us that deliverance is not only possible—it is cyclical. That the narrow places (Mitzrayim) are not the end of the story. That renewal is embedded into the soul of creation.

Passover teaches us that liberation begins within. That even when redemption feels distant, the first act is always the same: to listen, to name, to remember. To gather the courage to walk forward, barefoot and trembling, into what we do not yet know—but trust will be holy.

And Easter brings the energy of resurrection—of rising from what once seemed lost. It reminds us that renewal often comes through suffering, inviting the soul to awaken and remember its divine resilience.

This year, Passover begins on April 12 and ends on April 20—a date that also holds significance in modern times as “4/20,” a day of recognition for plant medicine. And in a beautiful act of divine timing, Easter also falls on that same day. This feels like a sacred convergence—one that invites us all to reflect, release, and rise.

For those living with Lyme disease and other hidden illnesses, this story is more than an ancient narrative—it is a call to awaken. Chronic illness can feel like its own form of enslavement, but within the struggle lies the seed of your transformation.

Yes, the pain, fatigue, and isolation can feel confining, but you are not powerless. Each challenge you’ve faced—from misdiagnosis to disbelief—is a part of your initiation. You are not broken; you are breaking through. And in that process, you are reclaiming your strength, your truth, and your sacred path forward.

Opening to What is Possible

This April, I mark one year since discovering I was bitten by a tick nearly a decade ago. It’s been an intensely profound year for me. A year of listening, naming, and remembering my gifts. It was both an exodus and a resurrection.

My main focus has been cleansing my blood with IV Ozone and revitalizing my cells with TruDOSE Therapy.  I’ve been meditating on the highest outcome, integrating herbal and holistic therapies, reclaiming my energy from others, and cutting karmic cords that quietly accumulated over the years. I’ve been actively alchemizing my inner world—awakening to greater health, radiant beauty, true wealth, and expansive, loving possibilities.

I now encourage others to create space in their lives for healing and awakening. Whether through stillness, spiritual practice, or sacred ceremony, the path to transformation begins with one clear choice: to honor yourself as you are, while opening to what is possible. We don’t have to wait until we are fully healed to be of service—but we do need to walk forward with clarity, boundaries, and reverence for our energy. My journey taught me that we can hold others and ourselves with love, even as we release what no longer belongs.

The Modern Exodus: Your Personal Journey

Living with Lyme disease can feel like wandering through a wilderness—unsure of when, or if, relief will come. You may have tried countless treatments, searching for a way forward, only to encounter roadblocks that feel as impassable as the Red Sea.

Like the Israelites leaving Egypt, you can make hard choices and embrace major changes to reclaim your life. You may need to release long-held responsibilities in order to reclaim space for yourself.  The tick bite is a catalyst for your transformation. You might begin to believe that it happened for you, not to you, and let it guide you into a new phase of healing and self-discovery.

Healing doesn’t just happen with the right treatments; it happens when we begin to let go—of old identities, of toxic beliefs, and of the fear that we will never be whole again. The tentacles of trauma live within us all, stretching back through generations. Recognizing and releasing these inherited burdens is a crucial part of reclaiming your power.

When it comes to fear, the choice is to Face Everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise. There may be moments when you feel like retreating, when your body’s struggles seem to define you. But each time you choose to rise—whether by exploring new therapies, setting healthy boundaries, or trusting your inner wisdom—you reclaim another part of your wholeness.

Healing asks you to evolve through transformation, to work toward an enlightened mind, and to awaken your own sense of personal mastery and sovereignty.

Letting Go to Move Forward

This season, take a moment to reflect—not just on ancient stories of liberation, but on your own path of renewal and growth.

• What do you need to release to move forward?
• Where are you holding onto guilt, expectations, or self-judgment?
• How can you trust that your journey is unfolding as it should?

Wherever you are on your healing path, know this: you are not alone. Your liberation matters. Your voice, your boundaries, your inner guidance—they matter. Whether you are navigating chronic illness, releasing inherited trauma, or stepping into your next evolution, may this season give you the strength to move forward with grace. And may you find the sacred in your own story—in every step, in every breath, and in every choice to begin again.

If you are looking for guidance, I offer a sacred tool I call the Roadmap—a process I’ve developed over years of walking with brave souls through illness, transition, and spiritual awakening. This method integrates spiritual insight with practical support. You can learn more about it here.

Melinda Bernstein is a freelance rabbi based in Southeast Florida. Learn more about her at melindabernstein.com.