Passover

Pesach, known as Passover in English, is a major Jewish spring festival, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt over 3,000 years ago. The ritual observance of this holiday centers around a special home service called the seder (meaning “order”) and a festive meal; the prohibition of chametz (leaven); and the eating of matzah (an unleavened bread). On the fifteenth day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, Jews gather with family and friends in the evening to read from a book called the haggadah, meaning “telling,” which contains the order of prayers, rituals, readings, and songs for the Passover seder. Today, the holiday is a celebration of freedom and family.

The Women of Temple Beth Ami hold an annual Women’s Seder. Led by Rabbi Weiss and Cantorial Soloist Joshana Erenberg, the story of Passover is told through readings, conversations, singing and dance. Special Passover dishes are shared and enjoyed by all.