The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is hosting a number of virtual Passover seders in the coming days. All seders are either free or very inexpensive.
Here is a statement from Rabbi Abigail Treu:
“For those who can’t imagine Passover this year, when social distancing to keep us healthy outweighs the urge to gather: This is the universe inviting us to try something new. Disruption creates opportunity. After all, the Four Questions—now a rote part of the seder ritual—was once an innovation. The karpas, that vegetable we dip into saltwater at the beginning of the seder, was designed to shake up what had become a boring night by doing something new. This is our chance to shake things up in ways that may actually outlast this one year’s need for reinvention.”
Out at the J Queer Passover Seder ($10)
Thursday, April 9th from 7-9pm
Join Out at the J virtually for their 2nd annual Queer Seder as they honor Jewish struggles of the past and recognize our shared struggles of today. Led by Cantor Laura Stein, all will join in community to break through feelings of isolation and fear, using our people’s narrative to look to a brighter future. All are welcome to explore LGBTQIA+ themes of freedom, expression and hope. Follow along with our forthcoming Haggadah. Questions? Email Rachel Kunstadt at rkunstadt@mmjccmanhattan.org.
Leshanah Habaha Be’yerushaliym (Free)
Thursday, April 9th from 8:30-10pm
If you have ever wanted to attend an Israeli-style seder, now is your chance! This fun and exciting evening will take place in English with some Hebrew, some Israeli songs, and some Israeli Passover shticks (gimmicks). Take this opportunity to make the second seder a seder in Israel. Led by Harel Fenigstein, Upper West Side shaliach (emissary). This seder is for adults of all ages. Bring your own haggadah and stories!
60+ and Engage Community Passover Seder (Free)
Monday, April 13th from 5-6:30pm
Join and connect with other members of the 60+ and Engage communities for an interactive mid-Passover seder on Zoom video conferencing.
Rabbi Brian Fink, Director of Engage, will lead, with participation from other JCC staff and members of the community. The seder will include traditional prayers as well as readings that address our experiences of Passover during the pandemic.
A digital haggadah will be provided to participants beforehand, and will also be screen-shared during the seder, along with some musical video clips. Feel free to eat your dinner during the seder, or afterwards on your own.
For more information, please contact Rabbi Brian Fink, director of Engage, at 646.505.4408, or bfink@jccmanhattan.org.
Engage Jewish Service Corps is generously supported by UJA-Federation of New York.
