I got this recipe off of www.jewishtvnetwork last year.  I tested it before suggesting it to all of you.  Big success!

Banana Cake with Marsala-Fresh Fruit Relish
Pareve
yields: 1 bundt
7 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups ripe bananas, mashed (approximately 3 bananas)
¾ cup matzo cake flour
¼ cup potato flour
¾ cup pecans, chopped

How to prepare:
With an electric mixer, fit with the paddle attachment beat the egg yolks and sugar until light in color and fluffy. In a separate bowl hand whisk the bananas until a nearly smooth puree is achieved. Mix into bananas the salt, cake and potato flours. Do not over-mix. Add the banana mixture to the yolks and sugar and combine. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the sides of the bowl as necessary. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside. Using the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt in a clean and dry electric mixer until a stiff peak forms. Gently fold in the banana batter. Fold in the nuts and carefully pour into a greased bundt mold. Bake 45 – 55 minutes in a 325° F. oven, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool before removing from bundt. 

Marsala-Fresh Fruit Relish
yields: 2 cups
½ cup Marsala wine or sweet red wine
¼ cup sugar
1 pint hulled strawberries, halved
2 bananas, sliced
½ cup toasted pecans, chopped
How to prepare:
In a medium bowl, combine the Marsala wine, sugar, fruits and nuts. Gently mix to combine. Allow to macerate at least 15 minutes for flavors to combine and fruit syrup to form. Add more sugar if a sweeter relish is desired. Spoon relish over slices of Banana Cake with a drizzle of the remaining fruit syrup.

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Passover with children
I got the question: What can I do with my toddler, age 18 months, at the seder?  My answer is, not much.  Feed her, hold her, distract her with toys and put her to bed on time.  There isn’t a lot about the seder that a tiny one can enjoy other than the company.  You’re biggest risk is over stimulation and a very miserable child.  So just don’t over do.

But what about older children?  I consulted one of my favorite Family Educators, Vicky Kelman, for suggestions.  Here are her Top Ten Ideas for a Family Friendly Seder.

1. Start out in the living room not at the table.  Tell the story there.  Once you get to the table everyone will be thinking about FOOD.
Note: I used to show the old Charlton Heston film, The Ten Commandments, later we moved to The Prince of Egypt in the week preceding seder.  Then I asked my children, what did they get right about the story?  What did the movie get wrong?
2. Decorate the living room.  Make it look like a tent by hanging fabric or a parachute from the ceiling or walls.  Have lots of pillows for people to sit on.
3. Ask guests to prepare by bringing something.  Something to read or sing is great.  The act of preparing and contributing helps everyone feel connected and motivated.
Some suggestions:
* ask one family to write a song about karpas; they can use a tune like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.  Other families can write about other things – Moses, Miriam, Egypt.
* A family can make a centerpiece.  They can use parsley or other spring plants
* Guests can bring food for seder – matzah, grape juice, wine or a dish
* Have others bring different harosets and have a tasting
Note: I’m big on a potluck seder.  I assign everyone a dish to bring & I’ll be bringing dishes to my friend’s house this year.  She and I always make different harosets.  Wouldn’t be seder without them!
4. Hold a matzah tasting.  Buy three or more brands of matzah – or have guests bring different brands.
5. Serve dessert first!  How is this night different?
Note: Wow, I would not have thought of this!  My mother would never have let me have dessert first!
6. Serve dinner to the kids first.  They will concentrate better on the important part of the evening – hearing the story – if they aren’t hungry.
7. Dress up in costumes.  Get out lots of sheets and scarves and get dressed up the way we imagine the Israelites did.
8. Remember that karpas isn’t only parsley.  Karpas can be other kinds of vegetables including potates, artichokes, carrots or celery.  Think of it as your hors d’oeuvres course and get creative.
Note: I never thought of karpas this way before. This year I’m going to really play with vegetables.  I always have some vegetarians at my seder so this will be fun.
9. Hold a quiz show.  Create a Seder Jeopardy game.  Make categories like Plagues, Passover foods, Moses, Seder Guests, etc.  Intersperse the telling of the story with rounds of the quiz game.  Or you can prepare a basket of quiz questions – color coded for different levels of difficulty.
Note: My son invented, Fun Facts.  Basically I have a stash of candies and as we tell the story anyone who adds a fact gets a candy.  You line them up in front of your plate and who every has the most wins.  Many people find that they snack on a few and thus, don’t win but they don’t care.
10. Put on a play.  Older kids can guide younger kids in acting out the story.  Or the older kids (or adults) can tell the story aloud as the younger kids mime.

What are you cooking for Passover?
Are you a meat eater?  There’s a good chance you’ve thought about making brisket.  Watch this TV chef do it.  I also found a recipe for matzah lasagna.  That and matzvah pizza are the two foods that get my son through Passover!  My daughter is more inventive and willing to go flourless.

Other things going on -

Jewish Music Festival
The festival is in full swing! Running March 20-29, 2010 and July 2010! This year they are pulling out all the stops to celebrate a quarter century of bringing the best in world Jewish music to the Bay Area. Our 2010 events include a world premiere (Dan Plonsey’s Bar Mitzvah), an American premiere (Diaspora Redux), and a West Coast premiere (Saints & Tzadiks), as well as a free outdoor festival at Yerba Buena Gardens in July – a first for the Jewish Music Festival. Check out full schedule:
http://www.jewishmusicfestival.org/events

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When my youngest was a baby I had chronic lower back pain.  I knew it was from carrying him around and I just didn’t think there was a remedy.  Then one day I mentioned it to a health care professional and she immediately gave me a simple back strengthening exercise.  By doing the exercise every couple days I stopped being in pain and continued carrying my little guy.

Being in an interfaith relationship can be like that – it bothers you sometimes, but not enough to do anything about it. You figure, it’s just part of the whole deal.  Maybe time will change it. After all, we love each other and doesn’t love have some sort of “fix it” quality? Or you’ve set into a routine that has become so strong you don’t think you could get out anyway. As several couples have told me, “We’re stuck.”

Who was it that said, “If you keep on doing what you keep on doing, you’ll keep on getting what you keep on getting.”

Maybe you want something new.

I suggest a couples discussion group. It’s not free form. It’s more like the lab sessions from science class. Everyone is doing the same type of experiment, but you are working on a different specimen – your own relationship. So everyone is asked the same question but you each have different answers. Each of you gets to hear the other answers which gives you a broader way to think about the question as it applies to you.

Every now and again I get a happy email from one of you saying, Such and such just happened! Can you believe it, Dawn? Did you ever think we’d get to this point?  Yes, I did think you’d get to this point.  I have a lot of faith in you.  AND I keep them in my folder of “happy mail.”

Why not try a group? Send me an email today. Tell me which weekday evenings you are available, and let’s see what we can do. On the Jewish calendar there are four new years; Passover is one of them. Start off this “new year” with a burst of spring cleaning for your relationship.
Contact me, at dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org

Passover Community Seders
There are so many community Seders I don’t know where to begin.  I will put three of them on this email because their congregations asked me to.  I continue to add to the big list of seders on my website at the link below.  Thank you to Rabbi Bridget Wynne of Jewish Gateways who did the collecting!!
http://buildingjewishbridges.org/?p=281

Intra-Faith Seder
A Model Passover Seder with Peace Lutheran Church
Rabbi Dan Goldblatt of Beth Chaim Congregation has asked me to invite all of you to join him at an interfaith community Seder with Peace Lutheran Church.
Seating is limited to 120 people, 60 from each faith community, and will be on a first-come, first-served basis via reservation email and payment to the Beth Chaim office.
Peace Lutheran has graciously offered to host this sacred meal. The Jewish community will be asked to make some contributions for the evening (Seder plates, Kiddush cups, Afikomen covers, candles/candlesticks) enough for 15 round tables and one head table). Other tasks will be shared between the two faith communities.

Please also plan to bring your own (red) wine (one bottle/family).  Grape juice will be provided.  A light meal will be served.

Date:    Thursday, March 25
Time:    5:45-8 pm
The cost is $15/person.  Since there will be adult conversations we are limiting attendance to anyone age 12 or over.  Please RSVP immediately to lchyme@aol.com and bring payment in to the office.
If you would like to help Judith Novick, who is coordinating this effort for Beth Chaim, please email lchyme@aol.com.

Community Seder
Join the Temple Beth Hillel community for a Passover Congregational Seder. Rabbi Dean Kertesz and Cantor Howard Cohen lead a  family-friendly participatory Seder on the Second Night of Passover. Along with a complete dinner with vegetarian options, all ritual Seder foods and Kosher wines will be provided. Those attending are  asked to bring a Kosher-for-Passover dessert to share.

Date:    Tuesday March 30
Time:    5:30 p.m.
Place:   Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central (located off Hilltop Drive at I-80), Richmond
Cost:    Adults: $30; Children (7-12): $18; Children (3-6): $8. Reserve early to assure seating. 
Send payment to…
Temple Beth Hillel,  PO Box 20910, El Sobrante, CA 94820
Call 233-2560 for more information.  www.tbhrichmond.org

On One Foot Seder
Like it short and to the point? Melissa Rogoway, Etz Chayim education director, will lead an interactive seder with music, dance, and drama. The Seder will last an hour before dinner.
Date:    Tuesday March 30
Time:    5:00pm doors open, Seder begins after Kiddish (Blessing over the wine)
Place:   Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto
Cost:    $55/adult, $30/child age 5 to 12, $8 tot age 2-4
For more info call the synagogue at 650-813-9094 x201

 
2nd Night Congregational Seder
Join Temple Israel of Alameda for their annual seder!
Traditional Seder led by Rabbi Allen Bennett. Reservations MUST be made in advance (no walk-ins) Space is limited.

Date;    March 30
Time:    6 p.m.
Place:   Temple Israel, 3183 Mecartney Road, Alameda
Cost: $40 age 13 and older; $30 age 5-12; Under age 5 free
(Deadline for reservations is end of day March 22)
Contact info: Seder Coordinator – Carol Parker ca_parker@hotmail.com or call the Temple Office 510-522-9355 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday, March 22.
 

Growing Your Child’s Identity in an Interfaith Family
Children move through a variety of developmental stages. How can we support their identity development and family attachment in age appropriate ways? Children in interfaith families are integrating multiple traditions and family heritages, we will look at how to weave together disparate backgrounds into one whole “self.”

Marin Brandeis Hillel Day School, 180 North San Pedro Rd., San Rafael
April 27, 2010
8:30am to 10am
FREE and open to the community.
For more information email Dawn at dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org

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Rabbi Bridget Wynne of Jewish Gateways has done an amazing job of collecting information on Community Seders around the Bay area.  She sent me her list and said to make it available to you.  So here you go.

BETH CHAIM
1800 Holbrook Drive, Danville. 925-736-7146. Interfaith Passover Seder on Thursday, March 25, 5:45-8PM. This is event is for adults and children over 12 years old only. $15/person.

CHABAD OF OAKLAND

Best Seder in Town. Piedmont Community Hall, 711 Highland Avenue, Piedmont. 510-545-6770. Four-course meal, Hebrew-English Haggadahs. Monday, March 29, 7:00pm. $36/adult, $20/child, $120/family.

Community Passover Seder. 3718 Grand Avenue, Suite 1, Oakland. 510-545-6770. Four-course meal, English-Hebrew Haggadahs. Tuesday, March 30, 7:30pm. $25/adult, $15/child, $80/family.

CHABAD OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

First Night Seder. 1671 Newell Avenue, Walnut Creek. Monday, March 29, 7:30pm. For more info call 925-937-4101 or log on to www. jewishcontracosta.com

Second Night Seder. All info is the same as the first night seder, except the start time is 8:00pm.

CHABAD OF THE RICHMOND

First & Second Night Seders. Richmond Torah Center, 423 10th Avenue, SF. 415-386-8123 or www.rtchabad.org. Monday, March 29 and Tuesday, March 30, 8:00pm. $45/adult, $20/child.

Moshiach’s Feast-An Evening of Inspiration. Join RTC-Chabad for the mystical seder which includes 4 cups of wine, matzah, and discussions based on the concept of the Moshiach. Tuesday, April 6, 6:45pm. Same location as above.

CHABAD OF TRI-VALLEY

First Night Seder. Monday, March 29, 7:15pm. Pleasanton Masonic Center, 3370 Hopyard, Pleasanton. Includes youth programs, supervised children’s groups, and Hebrew-English Haggadahs. 925-846-0700 or www.jewishtrivalley.com.

Second Night Seder. Same as above except for location: 784 Palomino Drive, Pleasanton.

CHABAD OF PALO ALTO

First & Second Night Seders
A traditional Seder with Shmura Matzah, wine, a sumptuous meal and the traditional reading of the Haggadah. Traditional, Uplifting, Delicious!
Seder I: Monday, March 29th, 8:15 pm
Seder II: Tuesday, March 30th, 8:30 pm
Please note: The second Seder on March 30th will be longer than the first Seder with an in depth discussion of the Haggadah. Please plan for a very late dinner.
Adults $50, Children $25 (Discounts Available)
Both Seders will be held at the Chabad Center, 3070 Louis Rd., Palo Alto
Contact: Rabbi Yosef Levin, Phone: 650-424-9800, E-mail: RabbiLevin@chabadgsb.com

CONGREGATION B’NAI SHALOM
74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 925-934-9446.

Dueling Rabbis. Thursday, March 18, 7:30pm. Join us for an evening of fun as the rabbis face off in the kitchen to see whose Passover cuisine will reign supreme. $5 if purchased before March 17, $7 at the door.

Passover Yom Iyun. March 21, 10:00am-1:00pm. Programming featuring Passover customs around the world, How the Haggadah was compiled, libation and food, including matzah Brei, How to lead and engaging service and make it your own. Free for members.

Traditional Second Seder. Tuesday, March 30, 6:30pm. Five-course Kosher L’Pesach dinner, group seating available, special diets accommodated. $48/adult, $32/child(6-11 yrs), free/child 5 yrs and under.

CONGREGATION B’NAI TIKVAH
Community Seder. Tuesday, March 30, 6:00pm. 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek. Catered by Sunrise Catering. Rsvp by March 22 at 925-933-5397.www.kolhadash.org. Humanistic Passover Seder. Saturday, April 3, 6:30pm. Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Avenue, Albany. Catered/Potluck combo. $35-45/adult, $15-25/child (6-12 yrs old), free/5 yrs and under. 510-44-8217 or Passover@kolhadash.org.

KOL HADASH

TEMPLE BETH SHALOM
642 Delores Avenue, San Leandro. 510-357-8505. Congregational Passover Seder. Tuesday, March 30, 5:00-9:00pm.

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE EAST BAY
1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley. 510-848-0237. Community Passover Seder Luncheon for seniors. Thursday, April 1, 11:30am. $10/members, $13/nonmembers.

KEHILLAH COMMUNITY SYNAGOGUE

Community Passover Seder. Saturday, April 3, 4:45pm. The theme is “In Every Generation: B-chol Dor va-Dor”. Fleishig (dairy-free) meal, with vegetarian option. 1300 Grand Avenue, Piedmont. 510-547-2424 or sasha@kehillasynagogue.org. $42-55/adult, $18/child (9-12 yrs old), $10/child (4-8 yrs old), $25-35/senior, student, disabled, low-income. Not recommended for children under 5 yrs old.

Pesach for Preschoolers. Sunday, March 28, 2:00-3:30pm. Hosted by Kehillah youth educator Terry McGlynn. For more information, call 510-547-2424 x100.

Rodef Shalom, San Rafael (Reform)

Women of Reform Judaism/Sisterhood Women’s Seder Sunday, March 21, 5 pm Save the date for our 17th Annual Women’s Seder! Please join the Women of Rodef Sholom for this beautiful seder, written by and for our Sisterhood. RSVPs are mandatory and are due by March 17. For info, call Rhonda Daniels at 415.895.1432 or send an e-mail to wrs@rodefsholom.org , Subject: Seder.

March 31 7:00pm – 10:00pm at Contemporary Jewish Museum, SF

PASSOVER EVENT/FUNDRAISERoffice@adathisraelsf.org

Put the Hagaddah back on the shelf, and join the Contemporary Jewish Museum’s young professional group, the Contemporaries, for the first annual Out of Order Seder. More cabaret, than kosher ritual, this unforgettable event features cutting edge artists who will put their own spin on the story of Exodus. Emceed by UC Davis professor and contemporary culture scholar Ari Kellman, the evening includes:

• Josh Kornbluth, former host of The Josh Kornbluth Show on KQED and author and performer of several critically-acclaimed one-man shows including Citizen Josh, Ben Franklin: Unplugged, and Andy Warhol: Good for the Jews?

• Nato Green, official comedian of Stephen Elliott’s Progressive Reading Series, founder of the San Francisco comedy institution Iron Comic(r), host of the New Jew Revue and producer of Laughing Liberally Local 415

• Amy Tobin, performance artist and creator of the cabaret rock opera The Esther Show, named one of the “Heeb Hundred” in Heeb Magzine and one of the “Forward 50″ in the Forward Magazine

• John Schott, co-founder of the band Good Planet and guitarist with the Grammy-nominated band T.J. Kirk

• Rabbi Noa Rachael Kushner, serving Marin County’s Congregation Rodef Sholom; poet, essayist, and contributor to several books including The Torah: A Women’s Commentary, Choosing a Jewish Life, and The Women’s Seder Sourcebook

In addition to the performances, guests will also savor an exquisite Passover meal created by San Francisco’s Taste Catering, all within the Museum’s spectacular diamond-shaped “Yud” Gallery.

Ticket purchase includes a one-year membership to the Contemporaries, the Museum’s membership group for young professionals and art enthusiasts. Throughout the year members of the Contemporaries enjoy dynamic social, educational, and philanthropic activities from private exhibition walkthroughs to special lectures.

Proceeds from the evening support the Museum’s education programming.
Event Sponsors: Batiste Rum, Taste Catering

Out of Order Seder
A Passover cabaret and fundraising event featuring food, drink and performances by Josh Kornbluth, Nato Green, Amy Tobin, John Schott, and Rabbi Noa Rachael Kushner

$100 per person (includes one year membership to the Contemporaries, the Museum’s membership group for young professionals and art enthusiasts)
TICKETS ARE LIMITED –ADVANCE PURCHASE RECOMMENDED

Communal First Night Seder at Adath Israel, San Francisco (Modern Orthodox)

For the second consecutive year Adath Israel will be running a communal Seder that maintains the feel of a family Seder, as each table is given ample opportunity to discuss the Hagaddah amongst themselves. The Seder is being catered by Chef Tanya.

Monday March 29th, 2010
Mincha 7:00 PM
Candle Lighting 7:12 PM
Seder begins at 8:00 PM

$60 non-members/$55 for members
$35 children ages 3-13
$500 to reserve your own table (up to 10 people)
RSVP will be registered after payment received
Do a Mitzvah and sponsor someone who can’t afford a Seder
To RSVP contact the Adath Israel office at 415-564-5665 or

1851 Noriega Street, San Francisco, CA 94122 www.adathisraelsf.orgshalom@sonic.net

Sonoma County Seders

- Monday, March 29 at 7:15 pm COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER. Join Rabbi Mendel & Altie Wolvovsky for a warm and meaningful Seder experience at the Art & Garden Center – 2050 Yulupa Avenue, Santa Rosa. For more info and RSVP: www.JewishSonoma.com or 577-0277.

- Tuesday, March 30 at 6 pm CONGREGATION BETH AMI’S COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER. Kosher meal by Wine Country Kosher and Seder led by Rabbi George Schlesinger at 4676 Mayette Avenue, Santa Rosa. For more info & RSVP: 360-3000 or office@BethAmiSR.org.

- Tuesday, March 30 at 6 pm SISTERHOOD PASSOVER COMMUNITY SEDER. B’nai Israel Jewish Center – 740 Western Avenue, Petaluma. For more info & RSVP: 762-0340 or office@bnaiisrael.net.

- Tuesday, March 30 at 5:30pm 2ND NIGHT PASSOVER SEDER. Congregation Shir Shalom – Burlingame Hall – 252 W. Spain Street, Sonoma. Gefilte Fish, Matzo Ball Soup, Roasted Chicken, Yukon Gold Potatoes, & More. Homemade Desserts provided by Sisterhood, Yummmmm! For more info and RSVP: 935-3636 or info@shir-shalom.org.

- Friday, April 2 at 5pm RUSSIAN RIVER JEWISH COMMUNITY SEDER. Passover Seder, a potluck feast and celebration of freedom, spring and Jewish traditions. Music will be provided by Jubilee Klezmer Ensemble. Located at the Monte Rio Community Center. Members $15, non-members $18, children half-price. For more info and to RSVP: 632-5545.

- Saturday, April 3, 6 pm NER SHALOM’S “FOUR-QUESTION SEDER.” What 4 questions do you need to ask right now? A gentle, thought-provoking, alternative Pesach experience led by Reb Irwin Keller at 85 La Plaza, Cotati. For more info & RSVP: 664-8622 or

Temple Beth Hillel Second Night Seder, Richmond (Reform)
Tues., March 30th. I’m waiting to get information from them on time, price, reservation process, and anything else relevant. 801 Park Central, Richmond. 510-223-2560.officae@netivotshalom.org

Congregation Netivot Shalom Second Night Seders, Berkeley (Conservative)
1316 University Avenue
510-549-9447
Reservations due March 24th to Rachel,

Second Night Community Seder led by Rabbi Shalom Bochner
Tuesday March 30th, 7:00 – 10:30 pm (7 candle lighting, 8:45 meal, 9:45 second part of seder)
$18 per child (12 and under)
$40-50 sliding scale per Adult & Teens (13+)
$36 Seniors & College Students
Some subsidies available, contact Rachel at the Netivot Shalom officerivkah48@sbcglobal.net for seder matching. The sooner we know who has room at a seder table and who would like an invitation, the easier it will be to match people up.seder@gtu.edu Reservations required by March 22. $30/adult, or $30 for GTU student or staff member. Kosher.

Community Seder will be preceded by Kids’ Seder (parents invited, too) led by Rabbi Menachem Creditor and Janet Harris
Tuesday March 30th, 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Free childcare will be provided 7-9:30 PM.

Netivot Shalom Seder Matching
Do you have room at your seder table for guests? OR Are you someone who would like an invitation to a seder?
Please contact Robin Braverman at 925-979-1998 or email her at

Chochmat HaLev (Wisdom of the Heart) Berkeley (Renewal)

Passover Seder, Tue, March 30, 6:30pm – 9:30pm
The Taste of Freedom: A Celebratory & Contemplative Second Seder

Led by master teacher-storyteller, Estelle Frankel. Join us for an unforgettable evening of sacred storytelling, song & ritual as we journey through the mysteries of the Haggadah and feast on traditional Passover delicacies. Music by Renee Benmelech. Fresh, local, kosher-organic catering by Avishai Pearlman. Come dressed in desert attire and bring your “questions” and “dancing spirit.” Space is limited. Call Chochmat Halev to register 510.704.9687. Cost: $50 members/$60 non-members. A few volunteer slots available for $30 admission. Please register early; no one admitted without advance registration and event will sell out.

Preparation for Passover: Deepening into the Haggadah and Enlivening Your Seder

A 2-session workshop to prepare for Pesach taught on consecutive Thursday evenings by Rabbi SaraLeya Schley, Chochmat HaLev.

The Haggadah is our rabbinic guide to the Passover Seder. By spending time studying the traditional structure and text of the Haggadah, along with some Kabbalistic and Hassidic explanations, the intention of this class is to bring a new level of familiarity and understanding to a ritual that, while fun, can also mark a profound spiritual journey.

Session 1. March 18 7-8:45 PM.
• historical context
• underlying structure of the seder
• bringing new insights to the text

Session 2. March 25 7-8:45 PM
• looking at individual sections of the Seder
• deeper exploration of questions students raise during Session 1

The two classes will complement each other and so it is preferable to take both. Session 2 will not repeat much of the contextualization that will be provided in Session 1.

If you have not pre-registered, please come at 6:45 to register so that class can begin promptly at 7PM. Cost: $18 non-members/12 members for individual class; $24 non-members/$18 members for both classes when paid in advance.

The Soul’s Passover Journey with Miriam Smolover: or, De-Chumatzizing our Souls, not just our Kitchens (Chumatz is food that can rise)

Our mystical tradition teaches us that on the hidden level of Torah, the story of our people’s liberation from Egypt is the story of our souls’ liberation from bondage.

In this workshop, we will enter into this timeless river of soul journeying, preparing ourselves to more fully experience the celebration of Passover. We will identify where we are constricted, how to answer the Source’s question’ “Where are you?” what it may be like to make ourselves into a vehicle for the Shechina, and claim our soul’s arrival in the land of freedom. Each phase of this journey will be experienced through a period of chanting, meditation, expressive arts and sharing.

Sunday, March 21, 10 am to 1 pm
$40 members/$50 non-members
please call 510.704.9687 to pre-register.

Led by Miriam Smolover, MFT, REAT. Miriam (our own board member!), is a longtime member of Chochmat HaLev. She received her certification as a Morah L’Hitbodidut/Jewish Meditation Teacher in 2002. Miriam has been composing chants and leading Kol HaLev, The Voice of the Heart chanting and meditation group of Kehilla Community Synagogue, since 1998.

Workman’s Circle & Jewish Labor Committee “Third Night” Labor Seder

Wed., March 31, 2010, 6:30-8:30 PM, at ILWU Local 34 Hall, 4 Berry St., SF, $35/person, reserve by check to Jewish Labor Committee, No. CA Chapter, PO Box 70163 Point Richmond, CA 94807
Info: Diana Scott 415-566-7235, Michael Nye 415-342-5145

Sephardic Seder at GTU

Mon., March 29, 6-9:30 PM, at Church Divinity School of the Pacific, led by Rabbi Tsipi Gabai, for reservations email

Marin JCC

Marin JCC & JCRCsberns@jcrc.org / 415.472.5128.jtrubowitch@jcrc.org / 415.977.7409kstiller@jcrc.org / 650.847.1715.Kiddush
Place: Congregation Etz Chayim; 4161 Alma Street, Palo Alto Ca 94306
Cost: $55/adult, $30 per child (ages 5-12), $8/tot (ages 2-4)Kiddush
Place: Congregation Etz Chayim; 4161 Alma Street, Palo Alto Ca 94306
Cost: $55/adult, $30 per child (ages 5-12), $8/tot (ages 2-4)Kiddush
Place: Congregation Etz Chayim; 4161 Alma Street, Palo Alto Ca 94306
Cost: $55/adult, $30 per child (ages 5-12), $8/tot (ages 2-4)Temple Sinai
Temple Sinai’s Community Seder
Ma nishtana halayla hazeh mikol halaylot? Why is this night different from all other nights? Because on this night you will be celebrating Passover with Temple Sinai! Join Rabbi Steven Chester and Cantor Ilene Keys as we retell the story of Passover, enjoy delicious foods catered by Z Cafe, meet new friends, and sing! Doors Open at 5:30pm at Z Cafe (28th & Webster Streets across from the Sanctuary). Seats are limited and last year we sold out!

North Bay Freedom Seder
Compassion – Collaboration – Community
Strengthening our Response to Human Suffering
Monday, March 22, 2010
6:30 pm
Osher Marin JCC
200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael
Adults $25 – Students $20 – Children 12 & under $15

Celebrate the festival of Passover with a delicious vegetarian dinner, traditional and new music, a gathering of friends new and old, and stories of how compassion and collaboration can build a community. Co-led by Rabbi Ted Feldman (B’nai Israel Jewish Center) and Rev. Veronica Goines (St. Andrew Presbyterian Church).

Space is limited. Please RSVP by March 17th to 415.444.8000. Questions:

In association with Osher Marin JCC, Marin Interfaith Council, Gan HaLev, Jewish Congregation of the San Geronimo Valley, Congregation Rodef Sholom, Marin Organizing Committee, Congregation Kol Shofar, Jewish Family and Children’s Services/Marin Region, and Jewish Community Federation/Marin Region.

JCCSF & JCRC

The Taube-Koret Center for Jewish Peoplehood at the JCCSF in partnership with the JCRC present:
14th Annual Multicultural Passover Freedom Seder
“We Were Once Strangers…”
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
6:30 pm
JCCSF
3200 California Street, San Francisco
Members $35 – Public $40

This Passover, join us for a multicultural Seder that honors the struggle for immigrant rights and advocates for tzedek (justice) for all. As we celebrate the Jewish story of liberation from oppression, let us not forget the strangers within our own community. Let our own past give us compassion for the struggles immigrants face today. Service led by Rabbi Rosalind Glazer.

RSVP required by March 31st to 415.292.1233.
Questions:

Peninsula Temple Beth El & JCRC

Peninsula Freedom Seder
“Let All Who Are Hungry Come and Eat”
Sunday, March 14, 2010
4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Peninsula Temple Beth El
1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo

A Passover Seder tells the story of the Jewish liberation and Exodus from slavery in Egypt. However, children from all backgrounds are still trapped by the bondage of hunger, even on the Peninsula. Our Freedom Seder, which is dedicated to hunger awareness and child nutrition, will celebrate freedom and educate participants about what you can do to help prevent child hunger. Co-led by Rabbi Dennis Eisner (Peninsula Temple Beth El, San Mateo) and Rev. Shirley Macemon (New Visions United Methodist Church, Millbrae).

A full kosher-style Passover meal (chicken) will be served. Vegetarian and glatt kosher options available upon request. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay.

Please RSVP by March 5th through

Etz Chayim

Interactive Tot Seder
Brief description: Designed to meet the needs of preschoolers (ages 2-5) and parents. The children will work on a special art project and hear Passover stories. You will end by 7:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday March 30
Time: 5:00pm doors open, 5:30 pm Kiddush, Seder starts after

On One Foot Seder
Brief description: Like it short and to the point? Melissa Rogoway, Etz Chayim education director, will lead an interactive seder with music, dance, and drama. The Seder will last an hour before dinner
Date: Tuesday March 30
Time: 5:00pm doors open, 5:30 pm Kiddush, Seder starts after

Talk Amongst Yourselves Seder
Brief description: Want to ask lots of questions? Rabbi Rachel Solomin will lead with lots of singing and discussion. Plan on at least 11/2 hours before dinner. This is a more traditional, adult-oriented Seder
Date: Tuesday March 30
Time: 5:00pm doors open, 5:30 pm Kiddush, Seder starts after

Date: Tuesday, March 30
Time: 6:00pm
Place: Z Café,
Please purchase your tickets early. No reservations will be taken after Friday, March 19th. You can purchase tickets online at www.oaklandsinai.org. Please contact Gabby at (510) 451-3263 x211.

Posted by admin under Holidays, Passover
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PASSOVER!

Passover – the most observed of all Jewish holidays.  Years ago a Jewish fellow emailed me to say that he had read about a rabbi who claimed that the Exodus never really happened!  Now what, he asked, what if the story of Egypt and the Pharaoh aren’t true?  It doesn’t matter, I told him.  Whether it is fact or a myth, it is our story and it has shaped our existence for thousands of years. 

I trust that the literalists in the crowd will not be upset.  Think about how much of our lives we live by symbols.  What would life be without the great myths?  Their messages are captured today in our language. 

He has the Midas touch.

I feel like I’m tilting at windmills.

I heard the sirens’ song.

I took a history class with Jehon Grist and I suspect there is truth to the Exodus story, but if not, it is still a good story. 

For the Christians on the list, do you believe that Jesus literally turned water to wine?  Some do, some don’t; but the story has power nevertheless.

For the Muslims, do you believe that Muhammed made a midnight flight to heaven on a winged horse?  Again, a story that carries meaning no matter how you view it.

I hope that each of you will sit down to a seder that imparts not just the story of the Exodus, but also the mythic quality of it’s message.

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Ready to start eating leavening?  YES!

There’s a holiday that “ends” Passover for Sephardic Jews called Mamouna or Maimouna.  It is a joyous celebration of eating all those foods that were forbidden during Passover – leavened foods!  Yeast leavened breads – time to eat pizza and donuts.  Yeast drinks – beer and fluids flavored with corn syrup – colas of all sorts.

You can learn more at www.myjewish.learning.com.  Search for “Maimouna.”

Here is something I found on a blog of a fellow in Israel (http://zivansinisrael.blogspot.com/):

When three stars come out the last day of Pesach (hooray, here it is only 7!) Sephardic women immediately start baking for another feast- Mamouna, the celebration of eating chametz (leavened food products, i.e. cakes, cookies….). Tonight my mom and I “crashed” a Mamouna celebration (we knocked on the door, and asked them if we could enjoy the feast with them)…we were greeted by a man in a long white robe and a red Moroccan fez hat, serving Chivas Regal and “Muflato” (a crepe made from dough) dipped in honey…we checked out the kitchen scene where the baking was occurring and three women (daughter, mother and grandmother) were rolling dough, stretching dough and frying dough. The long table was full with treats, fruits in honey (I loved the orange rind with honey and cloves), nuts, cookies and smack in the middle of the table a plate with a whole fish on it- for luck and fertility.

*he goes on to say that Sephardim are rarely blonde, ironically the Sephardim I know are all blonde!

I found some recipes for Maimouna online at:

http://www.angelfire.com/pa2/passover/recipes-pesach/mimouna.html

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Getting ready for the Seder

What are ways to make your guests feel that they are a part of the evening even if they are not Jewishly knowledgeable? 

Invite guests to bring something. This will give them a feeling of ownership and contribution.  Anyone can buy matzah or kosher wine.  They can make a fruit salad or follow a recipe you give them.  They can steam, roast or broil vegetables or potatoes.

Invite them to come a bit early and pitch in by putting the Haggadahs at each plate.

Invite them to bring a thought about how they define “freedom;” it can be serious or whimsical. 

How can you engage your children in the Seder prep?

Have you ever heard that anticipation of an event is half the fun?  It sure is for kids.  There are lots of ways big and small to include children in the preparation for your Seder.

Depending on their ages, they can:

Pick flowers to go on the table

Fill the bowls with salt water

Set the table

Make place cards and decorate them with stickers

Shape the haroset in to a pyramid on the serving plate/bowl

Use fabric paints to decorate pillow cases for Seder pillows that guests (or the kids) will lean on

More fun at the Seder:

Kids

Buy Hagadah coloring books from your local Judaica shop, one per child, and let them color during the seder.  They can add comments to the story telling right from their book. 

Decorate the table with plastic frogs and bugs

Let the kids act out the story of Moses and the burning bush or Moses meets Pharaoh.

Engaging those without a Jewish education

Type up and put a short paragraph from the haggadah on pieces of paper.  Make enough so that you have one on each plate.  Then invite your guests to participate by reading what is on their plate.  You can number then so you just call out a number and the reading jumps around the table.

Play games like “I’m leaving Egypt”* or “Fun Facts”**

Sing songs like Go Down Moses

*I’m Leaving Egypt Game

The first person says, “I’m leaving Egypt and I’m taking.. they name something that begins with the letter A.”  The next person repeats what was said adding an additional item that starts with the letter B.  This continues around the table with each repeat becoming more and more challenging to remember.

**Fun Facts

This is a game my son invented based on the saying in the Haggadah than anyone who adds to the telling is blessed.  During the Seder you pause every few passages to see if anyone has anything they wish to add from their own knowledge.  For each added “fact” they receive a prize.  (I use small chocolates.)  The recipient lines up his or her chocolates in front of their plate to see who can get the most.  One of the biggest fans of this game is a Catholic friend of mine who now comes with facts carefully memorized.  He’s a competitive guy!

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If you are thinking about attending a community seder, call today!  Many are full and they all have limited seating.  Look at the list below.  It is not exhaustive but it’s what I know about.  If you know of another one, email it to me. 

This first one is not a seder, but I am including it because it’s fun. 
PJA Not-a-Seder
Progressive Jewish Alliance (PJA) “Not-A-Seder: Passover Cabaret Of Laughter And Liberation”
The event will feature real-life stories of contemporary liberation from local social justice activists and new spins on ancient tales from Bay Area artists.

The event features several well known entertainers, including Heather Gold, comedian, host of her own talk show podcast, The Heather Gold Show and creator of the hit interactive show “I Look Like an Egg, But I Identify as a Cookie,” and Kugelplex, the West Coast’s rockin’-est purveyor of klezmer and old-world party music. Dance party to follow the live music with a DJ set by Jason D.

Not-A-Seder will also be holding a Kugel Throw Down, an age-old tradition of pre-Passover krazy kugel karbo-loading chametz indulgence. Bring your bubbe’s best kugel for the most fabulous food contest and feast of the year.

The 30th Annual First Night Community Seder
Led by Rabbi Eve Ben-Ora, JCCSF Jewish Educator

First Night Seder
Staff and students of UC Berkeley’s Hillel will be leading the seder and cooking the meal. Join us for our Passover Seder.
Date:    Wednesday April 8
Time:    7:30pm
Place:   Berkeley Hillel, 2736 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
Cost:    $10 – RSVP REQUIRED
RSVP to 510-845-7793 or  dkasher@berkeleyhillel.org

Traditional First Night Seder

Communal Seder dinner led by Rabbi Joshua Strulowitz. Catered by Chef Tanya, under supervision of Adath Israel. For details go to www.adathisraelsf.org
or call 415-564-5665 immediately as they say they are taking reservations until April Wednesday, April 8 at Adath Israel, San Francisco.

Community Seder

Family Far Away?  Friends Scattered?  Celebrate the first night of Passover with us!  Join us for a co-op Seder at Shir Hadash, led by Rabbi Melanie Aron. 

Choose how you would like to help!   Assist with pre-Seder shopping, help with set-up & clean up, or make something at home for the Seder.  Passover recipes will be available. Please indicate how many will be coming and how you would like to assist.  Let us know if you are making Seder at home & have room for guests, or if would prefer to be a guest at a home Seder.

Date:    Wednesday evening, April 8

Time:    6 – 9:30 pm. 

Place:   Shir Hadash,

RSVP to Nadine at 358-1751 x5 or nadine@shirhadash.org

——SOLD OUT —-
Temple Sinai Community Seder
Date:    Thursday, April 9
Time:    5:30pm
Place:   Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
Cost:    $40/adult
Ask to sit at Dawn Kepler’s table and you will be surrounded by other interfaith couples, friendly members and general FUN!  Call Gabby today at 510-451-3263.  The evening will be sold out.
Info about it, and about their other Passover events, is here:
http://www.oaklandsinai.org/jewish_life/holidays.php?id=193&page=193. The seder is $40 apiece for non-member adults. You must RSVP by April 3rd.

Celebrate the Second Night of Pesach!
There will be music and celebrations for all generations. A joyous, participatory night of learning and laughter, led by Rabbi Larry Raphael, Cantor Rita Glassman and Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller. Delicious traditional dinner catered by Town’s End restaurant. Passover-related activities for children of all ages.

Date:    Thursday, April 9
Time:    5:30pm
Place:   Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street (@ Webster), San Francisco
Cost: adults $65, Children 4-12 $18, age 1 to 3 $5
RSVP to Gabi Moskowitz at 415-346-1720, ext 24 or gmoskowitz@sherithisrael.org

Choose Your Seder Experience
Etz Chayim is hosting three different seder experiences, all seders will include the same kosher dinner from Too Caterers.

Interactive Tot Seder
Designed to meet the needs of preschoolers (ages 2-5) and parents. The children will work on a special art project and hear Passover stories. You will end by 7:30pm

Talk Amongst Yourselves Seder
Want to ask lots of questions? Rabbi Ari Cartun will lead with lots of singing and discussion. Plan on at least 1 ½ hours before dinner. This is a more traditional, adult-oriented seder.

On One Foot Seder
Like it short and to the point? Melissa Rogoway, Etz Chayim education director, will lead an interactive seder with music, dance, and drama. The seder will last an hour before dinner.

For all three seders the doors open at 5pm and Kiddush (blessing the wine) begins at 5:30pm sharp.
Reservations must be made by April 2. No refunds after that date.
Call the Etz Chayim office at 650-813-9094
Date: Thursday, April 9
Time: 5pm
Place: Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto
www.etzchayim.org
Cost:    $55/adult; $30 child age 5 to 12; $8 tot age 2-4.

Second Night Seder

Join Congregation B’nai Tikvah for a complete Passover meal catered by Sunrise Catering.  Choice of brisket of beef, roasted chicken or stuffed cabbage.

Date:       Thurday, April 9
Time:       5:45pm, seder begins at 6pm sharp
Place:      B’nai Tikvah,
Cost:       Adults $50; children age 4 – 12  $28
You must RSVP by Friday, April 3. Send your check payable to B’nai Tikvah to 25 Hillcroft Way, Walnut Creek.
www.tikvah.org
925-933-6833

Second Night Seder

Join Rabbi Nat Ezray and Ritual Director Bill Futornick for a fun and memorable evening at our annual family-friendly seder. An elegant kosher dinner by Four Seasons Catering will be served, and children’s activities will be available.

Date:    Thursday, April 9
Time:    5:45 p.m.
Place:   Beth Jacob,1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City
Cost:    Adults – $50.00 per adult
Children (4–12) – $30.00 per child
Children (2–3) – $10.00 per child
The cost of the seder exceeds what we collect from those attending. Please consider an additional donation of $50 or more so that we can continue to welcome everyone regardless of means.
Make your reservation by April 1 by contacting Beth Jacob by email or at 650-366-8481.
Payment must be received in advance by check or credit card. (Cancellations with refund accepted until April 3.)
No one will be turned away due to an inability to pay. Please contact the Beth Jacob office if you require assistance.

Celebrate Second Night of Passover

Beth Am’s Community Seder, led by Rabbis Janet Marder and Sarah Wolf, will be on the second night of Passover, Thursday, April 9. Enjoy a delicious multi-course dinner without having to cook, clean up, or remember where you hid the afikomen. Passover is sometimes called the Festival of Freedom and celebrates the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt’s bondage over 3200 years ago. Each year at this time, Jews all over the world gather with family, friends, and even strangers, to honor and remember our enslaved ancestors, and rejoice in the freedom we enjoy today.

Be sure to sign up for Beth Am’s Community Seder in advance. If cost hinders your participation, please speak to Executive Director Debbie Coutant in confidence. For more information, please contact the office at (650) 493-4661.

Thursday, April 9, 6-9:30 p.m., Social Hall

Cost: $43 per adult; $22 per child (12 and under).

Download an RSVP form at http://www.betham.org/download/sederRSVP2009.pdf

RSVP Deadline: Thursday, April 2. Seating is limited

Please mail your completed reservation form with check payable to Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills, CA, 94022. ATTN: SEDER.

Second Night Seder at Temple Emanu-El

Join the community seder led by Rabbi Dana Magat.  Seder will include all ritual foods as well as dinner.

Date:    Thursday, April 9

Time:    6pm

Place:   Temple Emanu-El, 1010 University Ave., San Jose

Cost:    adults $40; Seniors and students $36; Children age 4 to 10 $18 and three and under are free.

Call the Temple Office right away to reserve a spot 408-292-0939.

B’nai Shalom’s Traditional 2nd Seder

Led by Rabbi Michelle Fisher & Hazzan Marc Dinkin.

Come for a 4-Course Kosher L’Pesach Chicken Dinner. Group Seating Available.
Special Diets Accommodated (Need 7 days advance notice)

Date:    Thursday, April 9

Time:    6:15 p.m.

Place:   B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek

Cost:    Adults $45 & Children $26 after March 26

Children’s pricing applies to ages 6-11. Children under 5 are FREE.

Reservation Forms available at:

http://www.bshalom.org/enewsletter/0309_march_2009/seder_form.pdf
Prepaid Reservations Only

Temple Isaiah Congregational Passover Seder
Join members of Temple Isaiah for a second night seder.
The Seder begins at 6:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:30. Arrive at 5:30 to reserve family tables, unless there is a full table of eight at the time of paid reservation.

All seating by advanced reservation only. Catered by Sunrise Catering. Paid reservations are due to Temple Isaiah by Monday, April 6 at noon. Questions? Contact Mary Anne Winig or Michael

Liepman at (925) 283-8575.

Date:    Thursday, April 9
Time:    Doors open at 5:30pm
Place:   Temple Isaiah, 3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
Cost: Adults:$65 non-members
Children (3-12 yrs) $40 non-members
Children (under 3 yrs) Free of charge
Please make checks payable to “Temple Isaiah” with “Passover Seder”in the memo line. Reservations with payment are due Monday, April 6 at noon. Send to:
Temple Isaiah
Attn: Passover Seder
3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA 94549

Congregation Beth El
Come for a second-night seder; there will be table hosts at each table to help people connect with one another. It’s $45 apiece for non-member adults. If their price is high for you, they will work out a ticket price you can afford. You can do this by contacting their Executive Director, Ann Gonski, at ED@bethelberkeley.org
Beth El, 1301 Oxford St., Berkeley
Here’s a link to the information: http://www.bethelberkeley.org/

Netivot Shalom, in Berkeley, has a second-night seder.  It will include learning and preparation from 6:15-7, so each table can plan how they will participate in the seder. A link to the info is: http://www.netivotshalom.org/comm_seder
Cost is $50 per adult.

Kehilla Community Synagogue, in Piedmont, has a seder oriented towards freedom and progressive politics. It’s on Saturday, April 11. Info about it is here: http://www.kehillasynagogue.org/article.php/20090309131603639 The cost for non-members is $55 apiece for adults, or $35 apiece for those who are students/seniors/low income/disabled. They ask that each person who attends signs up to help with a volunteer job.

Taste of Freedom Seder
Thu, April 9, 6pm – 9pm
Chochmat HaLev
Taste of Freedom—A Celebratory & Contemplative Second Night Seder with Estelle Frankel
Thurs. April 9, 5:30 pm Teaching and Traditional Seder by Estelle Frankel with fresh, local, organic Passover Dinner catered by Chef Denise Ladwig. You are invited to wear desert attire to capture the spirit of the Pesach Journey. $65 nonmembers, $50 members. Please register by calling 510.704.9687; space is limited.

Passover Congregational Seder
Join Temple Beth Hillel community for the second night of Passover.

Date:    Thursday, April 9
Time:    5:30pm
Place:   Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central, Richmond
Cost:    Adults $30; Children age 7 to 12 $18; Children 3 to 6 $8
Send your check to Beth Hillel, PO Box 20910, El Sobrante, 94820 by April 3 to reserve your spot.
Info: 510-223-2560

Keddem Congregation’s Community Seder

Keddem, a Reconstructionist congregation, invites you to join us at our catered community seder. For good food, stimulating conversation and an overall enjoyable and friendly Passover experience, our seder is the place to be. Children are welcome.

Date:    Saturday, April 11

Time:    6:00pm.

Place:   Kehillah Jewish High School, Palo Alto

Cost:    Nonmembers: 13 and older @ $45.00 eacg, Children 5-12 @ $29.00, and
Children under 5 no charge.

To reserve your space and for more information about Keddem Congregation, access www.keddem.org. Please download the registration form, complete, and mail in with payment. Calls for information/reservations should be made to 650-494-6400.

Or Shalom Community Passover Seder
Explore the meaning of freedoms and slavery with a community of kindred spirits. Enjoy a performance of the Passover story by out kids. Eat charoset, Matzah, and all of your favorite Seder foods. Sing Dayenu, Way Down Moses, as well as the ridiculous.

Date:    Sunday, April 12
Time:    5pm
Place:   Mission Blue Center in Brisbane, 475 Mission Blue Dr. Brisbane
No Cost! Just RSVP admin@orshalom.org (415)242-9992.  We hope your family can join us!
www.orshalom.org

The 13th Annual Passover Freedom Seder

Presented by the Taube Center for Jewish Life at the JCCSF in partnership with Jewish Community Relations Council

Led by Rabbi David Levinsky, Director, Taube Center for Jewish Life

The Struggle for Marriage Equality
Join us for a multicultural, kosher Passover seder filled with education, dialogue and celebration. The ancient Israelites crossed the Red Sea from slavery to freedom during the Exodus, but its message has been central to liberation movements throughout history. This year, we will be focusing on the struggle for marriage equality.

Date:    Tuesday, April 14

Time:    6:30pm

Place:   San Francisco JCC, 3200 California St., San Francisco

Contact the JCCSF Box Office at 415.292.1233 for tickets. Registration required by April 2. Please buy tickets in advance.
$35.00 – Member of the SF JCC.
$40.00 – Public

Presented in cooporation with Kol Tzedek (LGBT Alliance at the Jewish Community Federation, Progressive Jewish Alliance, Jewish Mosaic and Congregation Sha’ar Zahav), Congregation Emanu-El, Anti-Defemation League, California Faith for Equality, Marriage Equality USA, Equality California, Pacific School of Religion’s LGBT Center’s Bay Area Coalition of Welcoming Congregations, LGBT Community Center of San Francisco, Jewish Labor Committee, Be’chol Lashon, Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation at Hebrew Union College and Jewish Institute of Religion.

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What does Passover mean in American Jewish community?

Often Jews will say, “Passover is my favorite holiday.”  Often Christians will say, “Christmas is my favorite holiday.”  These two days are pretty different – one about the exodus from Egypt and the other about the birth of Jesus.  What do we DO on these days?  Passover revolves around  telling the story of the redemption of the Hebrews from slavery and Christmas is about the birth of Jesus – and is often a big gift opening day. 

But I don’t think it is these two behaviors that draws individuals to them.  I think it is the fact that they are done with others.  It is not gifts, the story telling or even the eating, it is being together.  On an intimate family level, it is being with those you love – even if you argue.  Seeing the familiar faces – grandparents, cousins, close friends, families we were born into and families we create.  On a communal level, we know that all the other Jews around the world are “with us” on this night; together we are all recounting our going out of Egypt.  On Christmas day, all Christians, and many non-Christians, are gathered with family and friends, everyone has the day off; everyone is listening to the same songs, making a very similar meal, gathered around a tree.

We love these holidays because they allow us to have an experience of togetherness. 

Scientists who study Happiness report that despite all the conspicuous consumption of our culture, things don’t make us happy, experiences do. So, it isn’t the things we remember with joy, it is the experiences.  As you prepare for Passover this year make an effort to imbue it with experiences you and your loved ones will treasure.  Let the kids help make the food.  Give your guests a task to complete, a dish to make.  One of the most fun parts of Passover for me is the conversations I have with my best friends about who is making what.  Find new recipes.  Be sure grandma brings her traditional dish.  (My husband must make his charoset recipe!)

Let the kids dress up and enact the story of Moses.  Play games as you tell the story around the table.  Get plastic frogs and insects to put on the table. 

Want more ideas?  Email me and tell me the ages and backgrounds of your guests I’ll give you some.

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A Shmuroh matzah

Speaking of food… a small tirade from 2008 about getting back to the good food
Food issues
by Rob Eshman, Editor in Chief
The Jewish Journal

http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=19205

An update to the Haggadah
Rabbi Ferenc Raj, rabbi emeritus of Beth El in Berkeley, is a Rescued Child, rescued by Raoul Wallenberg in Hungary. From him I learned the following blessing that can be added to your haggadah. You can open your front door and say it out into the world or just say it to your assembled friends.

Pour Out Your Love
Pour out your love on the nations who have know you and on the kingdoms who call upon your name. For they show loving-kindness to the seed of Jacob and they defend your people Israel from those who would devour them alive. May they live to see the sukkah of peace spread over your chosen ones and to participate in the joy of your nations.

Why is Passover so Popular a Holiday?
Two SF Chron articles have stated, mistakenly, that Passover is the most observed Jewish holiday because it is a home based observance. Wrong. ALL of Jewish observance is home based since the fall of the second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 of the common era. There is NO JEWISH HOLIDAY that can’t be done in your home. In fact the rabbis teach that the kitchen table is now the altar for Jewish families. That means YOUR kitchen table, where you eat, and the rabbis hope – bless, rejoice, give thanks and welcome friends.

The reason for Passover’s wide observance among Jews, religious and secular, is that it is our core story – the story of the Exodus. The Hagadah says that we are to teach our children, “this is what the Holy One did for me when He brought me out of Egypt.” We are all to view ourselves as slaves personally freed from Mitzrahim (Hebrew for a narrow place).

On that note, here is a good message from Rabbi Larry Raphael in SF
From the Sherith Israel email letter, Rabbi Raphael wrote this drash (teaching):

I want to share with you a folktale that comes from the Iraqi Jewish community. Jews lived in Iraq from the time of the destruction of the First Temple until recent days. Centuries ago this story was first told:
There was a country where the king was always chosen in a special way. When the old king died, a bird called the “bird of good fortune” would be released. On whomsoever’s head it landed, the people would place the crown making him their next ruler.
Once the bird of good fortune landed on the head of a slave; that slave had been a simple musician who entertained at the master’s parties. His costume consisted of a feathered cap and a belt made of the hooves of sheep.
When the slave became king, he moved into the palace and wore royal robes. However, he ordered that a shack (a kind of succah) be constructed next to the palace and that his old hat, belt and drum be stored there along with a giant mirror.
The new king was known for his kindness and love for all his people—rich and poor, free and slaves. Often he would disappear into his little shack. Once he left its door open and the cabinet ministers saw him don his feathered hat, put on his old belt and dance and drum before the mirror. They found this very strange and asked the king: “After all, you are a king! You must maintain your dignity!”The king replied: “Once I was a slave and now I’ve become a king. From time to time I want to remind myself that I was once a slave lest I grow arrogant and treat with disdain my people and you, my ministers.”That is the Iraqi story and so it is with us each year. We remind ourselves that we were once slaves and were freed by God with an outstretched arm. It is our obligation to remember where we came from as we live our days.

Just for fun
Here’s a funny Passover video – it started a few years ago to sell a fellow’s book. But it gets passed around just for the fun of it.
http://www.msu.edu/user/avniassa/passover/whowhowho.html

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